GE MDS DS-ENET900AP ENET ACCESS POINT User Manual 4055A entraNET Body

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MDS entraNET
Access Point
Serial Remote
Ethernet Remote
Wireless IP/Ethernet Transceivers
Firmware Release 1.x
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A (PRELIMINARY)
April 2003
System Guide
Microwave Data Systems Inc.
Contents
1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND APPLICATIONS
1.1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION................................................................................................... 3
1.1.1 Model Offerings .......................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 APPLICATIONS .................................................................................................................... 5
1.2.1 Long Range Wireless LAN ......................................................................................................... 5
1.2.2 Multiple Protocols and/or Services ............................................................................................. 6
1.2.3 Upgrading Older Wireless Network with
Serial Interfaces ..................................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 NETWORK DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................ 8
1.3.1 Extending Network Coverage with Repeaters ............................................................................ 8
1.3.2 Protected Network Operation through Multiple Access Points ................................................... 8
1.3.3 Co-locating Multiple MDS entraNET 900 Networks ................................................................... 9
1.4 MDS entraNET 900 SECURITY TECHNIQUES AND TOOLS............................................ 10
1.4.1 Intrusion Detection via SNMP Traps .........................................................................................11
1.5 ACCESSORIES .................................................................................................................. 11
2 EMBEDDED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
17
2.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 15
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.5
Menu Structure .........................................................................................................................16
Differences in the User Interfaces ............................................................................................18
Accessing the Embedded Management System ......................................................................19
Navigating the Menus ...............................................................................................................20
Logging In and Out of the Embedded Management System ...................................................21
2.2 BASIC DEVICE INFORMATION ......................................................................................... 23
2.2.1 Starting Information Screen ......................................................................................................23
2.2.2 Main Menu ................................................................................................................................24
2.2.3 Configuring Basic Device Parameters ......................................................................................25
2.3 CONFIGURING NETWORK PARAMETERS...................................................................... 26
2.3.1 Network Configuration Menu ....................................................................................................26
2.4 CONFIGURING RADIO PARAMETERS............................................................................. 28
2.4.1 Radio Configuration Menu ........................................................................................................28
2.5 CONFIGURING THE SERIAL INTERFACES ..................................................................... 31
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
2.5.1
2.5.2
2.5.3
2.5.4
2.5.5
2.5.6
Overview ...................................................................................................................................31
Serial Data Port Configuration Menu ........................................................................................32
IP-to-Serial Application Example ..............................................................................................36
Point-to-Point Serial-to-Serial Application Example ..................................................................37
Point-to-Multipoint Serial-to-Serial Application Example ..........................................................39
Mixed Modes ............................................................................................................................40
2.6 SECURITY CONFIGURATION ........................................................................................... 42
2.6.1 Approved Remotes/Access Points List Menu ...........................................................................44
2.7 PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION ...................................................................................... 44
2.7.1 Performance Information Menu ................................................................................................45
2.7.2 Network Performance Notes ....................................................................................................54
2.8 MAINTENANCE.................................................................................................................. 58
2.8.1 Reprogramming Menu ..............................................................................................................58
2.8.2 Configuration Scripts Menu
............................................................................................................................................................63
2.8.3 Authorization Keys Menu ..........................................................................................................71
2.8.4 Radio Test Menu .......................................................................................................................71
2.8.5 Ping Utility Menu .......................................................................................................................73
3 TABLETOP EVALUATION AND TEST SETUP
3.1 OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................................... 77
3.2 STEP 1—INSTALL THE ANTENNA CABLING................................................................... 77
3.3 STEP 2—MEASURE & CONNECT THE PRIMARY POWER ............................................ 78
3.4 STEP 3—CONNECT PC TO THE MDS entraNET 900 ...................................................... 78
3.5 STEP 4—REVIEW THE MDS entraNET 900’S CONFIGURATION ................................... 79
3.5.1 Getting Started .........................................................................................................................79
3.5.2 Procedure .................................................................................................................................79
3.5.3 Basic Configuration Defaults ....................................................................................................79
3.6 STEP 5—CONNECT LAN AND/OR SERIAL EQUIPMENT ............................................... 81
3.7 STEP 6—CHECK FOR NORMAL OPERATION................................................................. 82
TROUBLESHOOTING & RADIO MEASUREMENTS
4.1 TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................................ 87
ii
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.1.5
4.1.6
Interpreting the Front Panel LEDs ............................................................................................87
Troubleshooting Using the Embedded Management System ...................................................88
Using Logged Operation Events ...............................................................................................92
Alarm Conditions ......................................................................................................................92
Correcting Alarm Conditions ....................................................................................................93
Logged Non-Critical Events ......................................................................................................94
4.2 RADIO MEASUREMENTS ................................................................................................. 96
4.2.1 Antenna System SWR and Transmitter Power Output .............................................................96
4.2.2 Antenna Direction Optimization ................................................................................................97
5 PLANNING AN MDS iNET 900 NETWORK
5.1 INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................. 103
5.1.1
5.1.2
5.1.3
5.1.4
5.1.5
5.1.6
5.1.7
General Requirements ...........................................................................................................103
Site Selection .........................................................................................................................105
Terrain and Signal Strength ....................................................................................................105
Antenna & Feedline Selection ................................................................................................106
Conducting a Site Survey .......................................................................................................108
A Word About Radio Interference ...........................................................................................108
How Much Output Power Can be Used? ................................................................................110
5.2 dBm-WATTS-VOLTS CONVERSION CHART .................................................................. 112
5 PLANNING AN MDS iNET 900 NETWORK
6.1 REMOTE TRANSCEIVER COMMAND REFERENCE ..................................................... 115
6.1.1 Command Description ............................................................................................................115
6.2 DATA INTERFACE CONNECTORS .................................................................................. 126
6.2.1 LAN Port .................................................................................................................................126
6.2.2 COM1 Port ..............................................................................................................................127
6.2.3 COM2 Port ..............................................................................................................................127
6.3 MDS entraNET 900 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS....................................................... 128
6 TECHNICAL REFERENCE
7 GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ABBREVIATIONS 133
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
iii
Copyright Notice
This publication is protected by U.S.A. copyright law. Copyright 2003, Microwave Data Systems, Inc. All rights
reserved.
ISO 9001 Registration
Microwave Data Systems adheres to the internationally-accepted ISO 9001 quality system standard.
Related Documentation
Installer Guide—The associated MDS entraNET 900 Installer Guide, P/N 05-xxxxA01 (pending), is provided with
the transceiver and is limited to essential information for installers. It assumes a basic level of understanding of the
material in this manual, including antenna selection, the use of radio communication site survey tools and techniques,
and network design.
Related Materials on the Internet—Data sheets, frequently asked questions, case studies, application notes, firmware upgrades and other valuable information are available on the MDS Web site at www.microwavedata.com.
About Microwave Data Systems Inc.
Almost two decades ago, MDS began building radios for business-critical applications. Since then, we’ve installed
more than 500,000 radios in over 110 countries. To succeed, we overcame impassable terrain, brutal operating conditions and disparate, complex network configurations. We also became experts in wireless communication standards
and system applications worldwide. The result of our efforts is that today, thousands of utilities around the world rely
on MDS-based wireless networks to manage their most critical assets.
The majority of MDS radios deployed since 1985 are still installed and performing within our customers' wireless networks. That’s because we design and manufacture our products in-house, under an ISO 9001 registered quality system
which allows us to control and meet stringent global quality standards.
Thanks to our durable products and comprehensive solutions, MDS is the wireless leader in industrial automation—
including oil and gas production and transportation, water/wastewater treatment, supply and transportation, electric
transmission and distribution and many other utility applications. MDS is also at the forefront of wireless communications for private and public infrastructure and online transaction processing. Now is an exciting time for MDS and
our customers as we look forward to further demonstrating our abilities in new and emerging markets.
As your wireless needs change you can continue to expect more from MDS. We'll always put the performance of your
network above all. Visit us at www.microwavedata.com for more information.
Manual Revision and Accuracy
While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual, product improvements may result
in minor differences between the manual and the product shipped to you. If you have additional questions or need an
exact specification for a product, please contact our Customer Service Team using the information at the back of this
guide. In addition, manual updates can often be found on the MDS Web site at www.microwavedata.com.
iv
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
OPERATIONAL & SAFETY NOTICES
RF Exposure
Professional installation required. The radio equipment described in this guide emits
radio frequency energy. Although the power level is low, the concentrated energy from a
directional antenna may pose a health hazard. Do not allow people to come closer than 23
cm (9 inches) to the antenna when the transmitter is operating in indoor or outdoor environments. More information on RF exposure is on the Internet at
www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins.
CSAUS Notice (Approval Pending)
This product is suitable for use in Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C and D or non-hazardous locations only.
The transceiver has been recognized for use in these hazardous locations by the Canadian Standards Association
(CSA). The CSA certification for the transceiver is as a Recognized Component for use in these hazardous locations,
in accordance with CSA STD C22.2 No. 213-M1987.
Conditions of Approval: The transceiver is not acceptable as a stand-alone unit for use in the hazardous locations
described above. It must either be mounted within another piece of equipment which is certified for hazardous locations, or installed within guidelines, or conditions of approval, as set forth by the approving agencies. These conditions
of approval are as follows:
The transceiver must be mounted within a separate enclosure which is suitable for the intended application. The
antenna feedline, DC power cable and interface cable must be routed through conduit in accordance with the National
Electrical Code.
Installation, operation and maintenance of the transceiver must be in accordance with the transceiver's instruction
manual, and the National Electrical Code. Tampering or replacement with non-factory components may adversely
affect the safe use of the transceiver in hazardous locations, and may void the approval. A power connector with
screw-type retaining screws as supplied by MDS must be used.
Do not disconnect equipment unless power has been switched off or the area is known to
be non-hazardous.
EXPLOSION
HAZARD!
Refer to Articles 500 through 502 of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) for further
information on hazardous locations and approved Division 2 wiring methods.
FCC Part 15 Notice
The transceiver complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device is specifically designed to be used under Section 15.247 of
the FCC Rules and Regulations. Any unauthorized modification or changes to this device without the express approval
of Microwave Data Systems may void the user’s authority to operate this device. Furthermore, this device is intended
to be used only when installed in accordance with the instruction manual. Failure to comply with these instructions
may also void the user’s authority to operate this device.
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
vi
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
1
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
AND APPLICATIONS
1 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph
Contents
1.1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ......................................................... 3
1.1.1 Model Offerings ............................................................................. 4
1.2 APPLICATIONS5
1.2.1 Wireless LAN ................................................................................ 5
1.2.2 Point-to-Point LAN Extension ........................................................ 6
1.2.3 Backhaul for Serial Radio Networks .............................................. 6
1.2.4 Multiple Protocols and/or Services ................................................ 7
1.2.5 Wireless LAN with Extended Range ............................................. 8
1.2.6 Upgrading Older Wireless Network with
Serial Interfaces ....................................................................................... 8
1.3 NETWORK DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS................................. 10
1.3.1 Extending Network Coverage with Repeaters ............................10
1.3.2 Protected Network Operation through Multiple Access Points ....12
1.3.3 Collocating Multiple Wireless Networks ......................................13
1.4 SECURITY TECHNIQUES AND TOOLS..................................... 14
1.4.1 Early Warning via SNMP Traps ...................................................15
1.5 ACCESSORIES ......................................................................... 15
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
2
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
1.1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
This manual presents installation and operating instructions for the
MDS entraNET 900 system. It is for use by professional installers who
are expected to install, operate, and perform basic maintenance on the
system.
The MDS entraNET 900 system is an easy-to-install wireless solution
that supports long range Serial and Ethernet data transmission at speeds
up to 115.2 kbps. The system includes an Access Point transceiver (AP)
and two types of Remote transceivers—Serial or Ethernet. These units
serve a variety of network configurations. Figure 1-1 shows each model
of the entraNET family.
Invisible place holder
Access Point
Serial Remote
Ethernet Remote
Figure 1-1. MDS entraNET 900 Transceivers
Rugged Packaging
MDS entraNET units are housed in compact and rugged die-cast cases.
They need only be protected from direct exposure to the weather. The
transceivers are supplied with optional flat surface or 35 mm DIN rail
mounting brackets, depending on customer requirements.
Simple Installation
Basic installation typically employs an omni-directional antenna at the
Access Point location and a directional antenna at each associated
Remote. The antenna is a vital link in the system and must be chosen and
installed correctly. Refer to INSTALLATION on Page 103 for guidance
on choosing proper sites and antennas.
For basic services, you simply hook up an antenna, connect your
Ethernet LAN to the transceiver’s LAN port, apply primary power, check
and set a few operating parameters as necessary and you are done. No
license is required for operation in the U.S.A., Canada, and many other
countries.
Secure Operation
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Data network security is a vital issue in today's wireless world. The
MDS entraNET’s design provides multiple tools to help you build a network that minimizes the risk of eavesdropping and unauthorized access.
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
Some are inherent in the radio's operation, such as the use of
spread-spectrum transmission; other techniques include data encryption, enabling/disabling remote access channels, and password protection.
Remember, security is not a one-step process that can be simply turned
on and forgotten. It must be practiced and enforced at multiple levels,
24 hours-a-day and 7 days-a-week. Section 1.4 on Page 10 contains
additional information about entraNET’s security tools.
Robust Radio
Operation
The transceivers are designed for frequency-hopping spread-spectrum
operation in the license-free 900 MHz band. They can provide reliable
communications up to distances of 30 miles (50 km) or more under
favorable conditions. The units employ digital signal processing (DSP)
techniques for high performance operation, even in the presence of
weak signals or interference.
Flexible Services
Users with a mixture of equipment having Ethernet and serial data interfaces can choose a combination of both types of remotes on the same
cell or Access Point. This flexibility allows the transceiver to provide
services in data networks that are on a path from legacy
serial/EIA-232-based hardware to the faster and more easily interfaced
Ethernet world.
Flexible
Management
Configuration, commissioning, troubleshooting and other maintenance
activities can be done locally or remotely. Four different modes of
access are available: local RS-232 console, local or remote IP access
through Telnet, web browser access, and via SNMP. The text-based
interfaces (RS-232 console and Telnet) are implemented in the form of
easy-to-follow menus, and the terminal server configuration includes a
“wizard” to help you set up the units correctly.
Transceiver
Features
The MDS entraNET 900’s design makes the installation and configuration easy, while allowing for changes in the future.
• Long Range—30 miles (50 km) over favorable terrain, with sufficient antenna height in a point-to-multipoint configuration
• Industrial-Grade Product—Extended temperature range for
trouble-free operation in extreme environments
• Robust Radio Communications—Designed to operate in
high-interference environments
• Robust Network Security—Prevents common attack schemes
and hardware from gaining access or control of network. Common attack events are logged and reported by alarms.
• Fast, 115.2 kbps data speed—Much faster than 9.6 kbps radios
• Plug-and-Play Connectivity—Ethernet bridge configuration
option requires very little setup
• Serial Ports—Gateway for serial interface based equipment to
IP/Ethernet networks with embedded terminal server
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
1.1.1 Model Offerings
The MDS entraNET 900 comes in two primary models—an Access
Point and a Remote. In addition, two types of Remotes are available—
an Ethernet Remote, and a Serial Remote. Table 1-1 summaries the different interface abilities for each type.
An Ethernet remote will serve only one MAC address, even if a bridge
or hub is used.
Table 1-1. MDS entraNET 900 Models and Data Interface Services
Model
ETH1
COM11
COM2
Access Point
Yes
Yes
Yes
Ethernet Remote
Yes
Yes
No
Serial Remote
No
--
Yes
NOTES
1. Provides access to the embedded Management System only. No data transfer
capability.
1.2 APPLICATIONS
The following sections give descriptions of typical entraNET installations. Most installations will require planning by a network manager.
1.2.1 Long Range Wireless LAN
The wireless LAN is the most common application of the entraNET 900
system. It consists of a central control station (Access Point) and one or
more associated Remote units, as shown in Figure 1-2 on Page 6. A
LAN provides communications between a central WAN/LAN and
remote Ethernet segments. The operation of the radio system is transparent to the computer equipment it is connected to.
The Access Point is positioned at a location from which it can communicate with all of the Remote units in the system. Commonly, this is a
relatively high location on top of a building or communications tower.
Messages are exchanged at the Ethernet level. This includes all types of
IP traffic.
A Remote transceiver can only talk over-the-air to an Access Point (AP)
unit. Peer-to-peer communications between Remotes can only take
place indirectly through the AP. An AP can only talk over-the-air to
Remote units, however two APs can communicate with each other
through their Ethernet connectors utilizing a common LAN/WAN.
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
Invisible place holder
iNET 900
Remote
LAN
iNET 900
Remote
iNET 900
Remote
LAN
LAN
iNET 900
Remote
iNET 900
Acess Point
LAN
WAN/LAN
Figure 1-2. Typical wireless LAN
1.2.2 Multiple Protocols and/or Services
Prior to the introduction of the entraNET 900, two radios were often
required to service two different types of devices (typically connected to
different SCADA hosts). An entraNET 900 provides this functionality
through a single AP radio. Each of the two groups of remote radios can
be connected via IP to different SCADA hosts, transporting different (or
the same) protocols. Both data streams are completely independent and
the transceiver provides seamless simultaneous operation as shown in
Figure 1-3 on Page 6.
Invisible place holder
Serial emote
RTU
EIA-232
SCADA Host
Modbus/IP
Serial Remote
HUB
HUB
EIA-232
Serial
Device
Access Point
WAN
ROUTER
Ethernet
Remote
TCP/IP
HUB
HUB
Ethernet
Device
Access Point
PC Running
NetView
SCADA Host
Total Flow
Figure 1-3. Multiple Protocol Network
By using a single AP the cost of infrastructure deployment is cut in half,
with only one antenna, one feedline, and one lightning protector
required. Other cost reductions come from the system as a whole,
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
including reduced management requirements via the MDS NETview
MS application. Finally, entraNET offers a nearly unlimited potential
for future applications that run over IP and Ethernet.
1.2.3 Upgrading Older Wireless Network with
Serial Interfaces
Millions of wireless data products have been sold in the last two decades
for licensed and license-free operation, many of them manufactured by
Microwave Data Systems. There are several ways that these systems can
benefit from the more flexible MDS entraNET 900 equipment—more
flexible serial and Ethernet interfaces, and higher data throughput.
MDS entraNET 900 units are well suited to replace leased or dial-up
lines, or existing 900 MHz data transceivers by taking advantage of the
transceiver’s serial and Ethernet interfaces.
Replacing Legacy Wireless Products
In most cases, legacy radio transceivers supporting serial-interface
equipment can be replaced with MDS entraNET 900 units with little or
no special configuration. This equipment can be connected to MDS
entraNET 900 units through the COM1 or COM2 port with a DB-25 to
DB-9 cable wired for EIA-232 signaling. The COM2 port supports all
standard EIA-232 signaling and acts as a data-terminal equipment
device (DTE).
Several previous MDS-brand products had non-standard signal lines on
their interface connectors; for example, to control the unit sleep function. These special functions are not provided nor supported by the
MDS entraNET 900 unit at this time. Always consult the legacy equipment manual(s) for interface pinout information prior to making connections.
Supplement legacy wireless network with IP services
The MDS entraNET 900 Dual Gateway model can support up to two
serial devices and one Ethernet connection at the same time. The serial
interfaces (COM1 and COM2) operate in two different modes: Connectionless serial-to-serial (UDP) and connection-oriented IP-to-serial
(TCP).
In the UDP (connectionless serial-to-serial) mode, the transceiver supports point-to-multipoint serial-port to serial-port connectivity. In the
TCP (connection-oriented IP-to-serial) mode, the transceiver supports
point-to-point Ethernet/IP to serial port connectivity.
For further details on Serial Gateway interface modes, see “CONFIGURING THE SERIAL INTERFACES” on Page 32.
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
1.3 NETWORK DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS
1.3.1 Extending Network Coverage with Repeaters
What is a Repeater System?
A repeater works by re-transmitting data from outlying remote sites to
the Access Point and vice-versa. As with any other store-and-forward
device, it introduces additional end-to-end transmission delay but provides longer-range connectivity.
In some geographical areas obstacles can make communications difficult. These obstacles commonly are large buildings, hills or dense
foliage. These obstacles can often be overcome with a repeater station.
The geographic location of a repeater station is especially important. A
site must be chosen that allows good communication from the repeater
to both the Access Point and outlying remote sites. This location is often
on top of a hill, or other elevated terrain from which both sites can be
“seen” by the repeater station antennas. A detailed discussion on the
effects of terrain is given in Section 5.1.2, Site Selection (beginning on
Page 105).
Using a Remote as a Store-and-Forward Repeater
A wireless network can be extended through the use of an alternate
arrangement using the Access Point as a repeater to re-transmit the signals of all stations in the network. The repeater is a standard transceiver
configured as an Access Point. (See Figure 1-4.)
Invisible place holder
POINT-TO-POINT
LINK
Remote
Remote
Access Point
LAN/WAN
LAN
STORE & FORWARD
REPEATER
Figure 1-4. Typical network with store-and-forward repeater
1.3.2 Protected Network Operation through Multiple
Access Points
Although MDS entraNET 900 units have a very robust design and have
undergone intensive testing before shipment it is possible for isolated
failures to occur. Down time can be further reduced by using some, or
all, of the following configurations.
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
In a point-to-multipoint scenario, the Access Point services multiple
remotes. A problem in the Access Point will have an effect on all
remotes, since none will have access to the network. When operation of
the network does not tolerate any down time, it is possible to set up a
protected configuration for the Access Point to greatly reduce the possibility of this happening.
Two or more Access Points can be configured with the same Network
Name and kept active simultaneously, each with its own independent
antenna. In this scenario, Remotes will associate with either one of the
available Access Points. In case of a failure of one of the AP’s, the
Remotes will quickly associate with another of the remaining Access
Points re-establishing connectivity to the end devices.
Access Points are unaware of the existence of another co-located AP.
This is because the hopping algorithm uses both the Network Name and
the Wireless MAC address of the AP to generate the hopping pattern.
For this reason, multiple AP’s can coexist—even if they use the same
network name. The co-located AP’s will be using different hopping patterns and frequencies the great majority of the time. Although some collisions will occur, the wireless-MAC is built to tolerate and recover from
such occurrences with minimal degradation.
1.3.3 Co-locating Multiple Networks
Many wireless networks can operate in relatively close physical proximity to one another providing reasonable measures are taken to assure
the radio signal of one Access Point is not directed at the antenna of the
second Access Point.
The Network Name and the association process
The Network Name is the foundation for building individual
MDS entraNET 900 networks. It is part of a beacon signal broadcast by
the Access Point (AP) to any Remote units with the same Network
Name. Remotes that join the network are referred to as being “associated” with the Access Point unit.
Multiple APs with the same Network Name should be avoided unless a
redundant system is being deployed. Using the same Network Name in
multiple APs may result in Remotes associating with undesired APs and
preventing data exchange from occurring.
The use of a different Network Name does not guarantee an interference-free system. It does however, assure that only data destined for a
unique network is passed through to that network.
Co-Location for
Redundancy
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
You can co-locate Access Points at one location for load-sharing or
redundancy, provided they have the same Network Name. Provide some
vertical separation between the antennas to minimize RFI between
them.
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
Co-Location for
Multiple Networks
It may be desirable to co-locate Access Points at one location to take
advantage of an excellent or premium location that can serve two independent networks. Each network should have unique Network Name
and each AP unit’s antenna should be provided as much vertical separation as is practical to minimize RFI.
NOTE: All radios are shipped with the Network Name as
“Not Programmed.” The Network Name must be programmed
in order to pass data and begin normal operations.
Can radio-frequency interference (RFI) disrupt my Network?
When multiple MDS entraNET 900 networks operate in close physical
proximity to other wireless networks, individual units may not operate
reliably under weak signal conditions and may be influenced by strong
radio signals in adjacent bands. This radio frequency interference cannot
be predicted and can only be determined by experimentation. If you
need to co-locate two transceivers, start by using the largest possible
vertical antenna separation between the two AP antennas on the same
support structure. If that does not work, consult with MDS technical
support personnel about other techniques for controlling radio frequency interference between the radios. (See “A Word About Radio
Interference” on Page 108 for more details.)
1.4 SECURITY TECHNIQUES & TOOLS
Today the operation and management of an enterprise is becoming
increasing dependent on electronic information flow. An accompanying
concern becomes the security of the communication infrastructure and
the security of the data itself.
The MDS entraNET 900 is capable of dealing with many common security issues. Table 1-2 profiles security risks and how the MDS entraNET
900 provides a solution for minimizing vulnerability.
Table 1-2. Security Risk Management
10
Security Risk
The MDS entraNET 900 Solution
Unauthorized access to the backbone
network through a foreign remote radio
√
“Rogue” AP, where a foreign AP takes
control of some or all remote radios and
thus remote devices
√
Dictionary attacks, where a hacker runs a
program that sequentially tries to break a
password.
√
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
Approved Remotes List
Only those remotes included in the
AP list will associate
Approved AP List
A remote will only associate to
those AP included in its local
authorized list of AP
Failed-login lockdown
After 3 tries, a transceiver ignores
login requests for 5 minutes.
Critical event reports (traps) are
generated as well.
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Table 1-2. Security Risk Management
Security Risk
The MDS entraNET 900 Solution
Denial of service, where Remote radios
could be reconfigured with bad
parameters bringing the network down.
√
√
√
Airsnort and other war-driving hackers in
parking lots, etc.
√
√
Remote login
Local console login
Disabled HTTP & Telnet to allow
only local management services
900 MHz FHSS does not talk over
the air with standard 802.11b cards
The transceiver cannot be put in a
promiscuous mode
√
Proprietary data framing
Eavesdropping, intercepting messages
√
128-bit encryption
Key cracking
√
Automatic Rotating Key algorithm
Replaying messages
√
Unprotected access to configuration via
SNMPv1
√ Enable/disable SNMPv1 operation
Potential, ongoing attacks
√ Provides early warning via SNMP
128-bit encryption with rotating
keys
through critical event reports
(unauthorized, logging attempts,
etc.)
1.4.1 Intrusion Detection via SNMP Traps
In addition to the operative tools and techniques, the MDS entraNET
900 can provide SNMP-based network management systems with traps
(alarms) that represent potentially suspicious activities or events. These
include:
• Unauthorized AP MAC address detected at Remote
• Unauthorized Remote MAC address detected at AP
• Login attempt limit exceeded
(Accessed via: Telnet, HTTP, or local)
• Successful login/logout
(Accessed via: Telnet, HTTP, or local)
1.5 ACCESSORIES
The transceiver can be used with one or more of the accessories listed in
Table 1-3. Contact the factory for ordering details.
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11
Table 1-3. Accessories
12
Accessory
Description
AC Power
Adapter Kit
A small power supply module designed for
continuous service. UL approved. Input:
120/220; Output: 13.8 Vdc @ 2.5 A
01-3682A02
OmniDirectional
Antennas
Rugged antennas well suited for use at Access
Point installations. Consult with your factory
Sales Representative for details
Call factory
Yagi Antenna
(Directional)
Rugged antennas well suited for use at Remote
installations. Consult with your factory Sales
Representative for details.
Call factory
TNC Male-to-N
Female Adapter
One-piece RF adaptor plug.
97-1677A161
TNC Male-to-N
Female Adapter
Cable
Short length of coaxial cable used to connect
the radio’s TNC antenna connector to a Type N
commonly used on large diameter coaxial
cables.
97-1677A159
(3 ft./1m)
Ethernet RJ-45
Crossover
Cable (CAT5)
Cable assembly used to cross-connect the
Ethernet ports of two transceivers used in a
repeater configuration.
(Cable length ≈ 3 ft./1M)
97-1870A21
2-Pin Power
Plug
Mates with power connector on transceiver.
Screw terminals provided for wires, threaded
locking screws to prevent accidental
disconnect.
73-1194A39
Ethernet RJ-45
Straight-thru
Cable (CAT5)
Cable assembly used to connect an Ethernet
device to the transceiver. Both ends of the
cable are wired identically.
(Cable length ≈ 3 ft./1M)
97-1870A20
EIA-232
Shielded Data
Cable
Shielded cable terminated with a DB-25 male
connector on one end, and a DB-9 female on
the other end. Two lengths available (see part
numbers at right).
97-3035L06
(6 ft./1.8m)
EIA-232
Shielded Data
Cable
Shielded cable terminated with a DB-9 male
connector on one end, and a DB-9 female on
the other end, 6 ft./1.8m long.
97-1971A03
Fuse
Small, board-mounted fuse used to protect
against over-current conditions.
29-1784A03
Flat-Surface
Mounting
Brackets &
Screws
Brackets: 2˝ x 3˝ plates designed to be screwed
onto the bottom of the unit for surface-mounting
the radio.
82-1753-A01
Screws: 6-32/1/4˝ with locking adhesive.
(Industry Standard MS 51957-26)
70-2620-A01
DIN Rail
Mounting
Bracket
Bracket used to mount the transceiver to
standard 35 mm DIN rails commonly found in
equipment cabinets and panels.
03-4022A02
COM2 Interface
Adapter
DB-25(F) to DB-9(M) shielded cable assembly
(6 ft./1.8 m) for connection of equipment or
other EIA-232 serial devices previously
connected to “legacy” units. (Consult factory for
other lengths and variations.)
97-3035A06
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS Part No.
97-1677A160
(6 ft./1.8m)
97-3035L15
(15 ft./4.6m)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
2
EMBEDDED
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
2 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph
Contents
2.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................... 19
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.5
Menu Structure ...........................................................................19
Differences in the User Interfaces ...............................................20
Accessing the Embedded Management System ........................22
Navigating the Menus .................................................................24
Logging In and Out of the Embedded Management System ...... 25
2.2 BASIC DEVICE INFORMATION................................................ 27
2.2.1 Starting Information Screen ........................................................27
2.2.2 Main Menu ..................................................................................28
2.2.3 Configuring Basic Device Parameters .........................................29
2.3 CONFIGURING NETWORK PARAMETERS............................. 31
2.3.1 Network Configuration Menu .......................................................31
2.4 CONFIGURING RADIO PARAMETERS ................................... 35
2.4.1 Radio Configuration Menu .........................................................36
2.5 CONFIGURING THE SERIAL INTERFACES ............................ 39
2.5.1
2.5.2
2.5.3
2.5.4
2.5.5
2.5.6
Overview .....................................................................................39
Serial Data Port Configuration Menu ..........................................40
IP-to-Serial Application Example ................................................43
Point-to-Point Serial-to-Serial Application Example ....................44
Point-to-Multipoint Serial-to-Serial Application Example .............46
Mixed Modes ...............................................................................47
2.6 SECURITY CONFIGURATION.................................................. 49
2.6.1 Approved Remotes/Access Points List Menu .............................51
2.7 PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION ............................................. 51
2.7.1 Performance Information Menu ...................................................52
2.7.2 Network Performance Notes .......................................................61
2.8 MAINTENANCE......................................................................... 65
2.8.1 Reprogramming Menu ................................................................65
2.8.2 Configuration Scripts Menu..........................................................70
2.8.3 Authorization Keys Menu ............................................................78
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13
2.8.4 Radio Test Menu .........................................................................78
2.8.5 Ping Utility Menu .........................................................................80
14
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
2.1 INTRODUCTION
The MDS entraNET 900 is equipped with an embedded management
system that is accessible through different data interfaces. These include
the COM1 (serial) port, the LAN (Ethernet) port and over the wireless network. Essentially the same capabilities are available through either of
these paths.
You have a choice of using three common communications tools—a
computer terminal-emulator through the COM1 port, Telnet, or a Web
browser through the LAN (Ethernet) port. You must know the unit IP
address and the entraNET Management System password and user
name to use the LAN port access.
The transceiver also supports SNMP-based management tools such as
Microwave Data Systems’ NETview MS™. NETview MS provides a network-wide management tool using a graphical user interface (GUI). For
support of other software, a set of MIB files is available for download
from the Microwave Data Systems’ Web site at www.microwavedata.com/service/technical/support/downloads/. A brief summary of
SNMP commands can be found at SNMP Configuration section on
Page 28.
The entraNET Management System and its functions are divided in this
guide into five functional groups that are listed below.
• Section 2.3, CONFIGURING NETWORK PARAMETERS
(beginning on Page 27)
• Section 2.4, CONFIGURING RADIO PARAMETERS (beginning on Page 28)
• Section 2.5, CONFIGURING THE SERIAL INTERFACES
(beginning on Page 32)
• Section 2.7, PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION (beginning on
Page 44)
• Section 2.8, MAINTENANCE (beginning on Page 58)
Each of these sections has a focus that is reflected in its heading. The
section you are now in will provide you with information on connecting
to the entraNET Management System, how to navigate through it, and
how it is structured, and how to perform some top-level configuration
tasks.
NOTE: Parameter options/range, and any default value, will be
displayed at the end of the field description between square
brackets. [range, options or description; default]
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
15
2.1.1 Menu Structure
The following two illustrations are flowcharts that display the organization of the entraNET Management System (iNET MS). For this presentation, they are divided into two groups:
• Configuration Group
(Figure 2-1 on Page 16)
• Security, Performance & Maintenance Group
(Figure 2-2 on Page 17)
MAIN MENU
Starting
Information Screen
Network
Configuration
Radio
Configuration
Device Mode
Device Mode
RF Output Power
Com1 Serial Data
Port
Device Name
Network Name
Data Rate
Same as Com 2
Network Name
IP Address
Dwell Time
(Editable on AP)
IP Address
IP Netmask
Beacon Period
(Editable on AP)
Device Status
IP Gateway
Uptime
SNTP Server
Serial
Configuration
Serial Configuration
Wizard
DHCP Client
Hardware Version
Max Remotes
(AP Only)
Serial Number
Ethernet Link
Watch
(AP Only)
Serial Data
Statistics
Status
Com1 Data
Statistics
Data Baud Rate
Bytes In On Port
Bytes Out On Port
Bytes In On Socket
Configuration
Bytes Out On
Socket
Fragmentation
Threshold
Seamless Mode
RTS Threshold
(Remote Only)
Delimiter
Clear Com1
Statistics
RSSI Threshold
(Remote Only)
Buffer Size
Com2 Data
Statistics
IP Protocol
SNR Threshold
(Remote Only)
Bytes In On Port
Sent to Address
Ethernet Address
RF Hopping
Format
Send to Port
Wireless Address
Bytes Out On Port
Bytes In On Socket
Receive on Port
Skip Zone Options
(Editable on AP)
DHCP Server
Config
Bytes Out On
Socket
Receive on Port
Server Enable
Zone 1
Execute Changes
Zone 2
Zone 7
Starting Address
Zone 3
Zone 8
Ending Address
Zone 4
Zone 9
Zone 5
Zone 10
SNMP Config
Menu
Commit changes
Read Community
Trap Manager #4
Write Community
Trap Manager #5
Trap Community
SNMP Enable
Trap Manager #1
Trap Version
Trap Manager #2
Auth Traps Enable
Clear Com2
Statistics
Zone 6
DHCP Netmask
Trap Manager #3
Com2 Serial Data
Port
Flow Control
(AP Only)
Hop Pattern Seed
(Editable on AP)
Firmware Version
Additional Menus:
Security Confirmation >
Device Information >
Performance Information >
Maintenance >
KEY
Menu
Selections
Editable
Selections
Read-Only
Items
NOTES
• Not all items are user-configurable
• Some menu items depend on Device Mode
• Use keyboard’s spacebar to make some
menu selections
Figure 2-1. Embedded Management System Organization—Configuration
Group (under revision)
16
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Invisible place holder
Additional Menus:
< Starting Information
< Network Configuration
<˚Radio Configuration
< Serial Configuration
MAIN MENU
Security
Configuration
Device Information
Performance
Information
Maintenance
Provisioning
Model Number
RF Output Power
Reprogramming
Approved Remotes
List (on AP)
Serial Number
Signal to Noise
Hardware Version
RSSI
Filename
TFTP Timeout
Add Remote
Delete Remote
Firmware Version
Actual Data Rate
Add Associated
Remotes
Uptime
RSSI by Zone
Delete All Remotes
User Password
TFTP Host
Address
Retrieve File
Image Verify
View Approved
Remotes
Console Baud Rate
Zone #1
Image Copy
Zone #2
Reboot Device
Zone #3
Approved Access
Points List
(on Remote)
Device Names
Menu
Zone #4
Zone #5
Device Name
Owner
Add Current
Access Point
Configuration
Scripts
Zone #6
Add Access Point
Delete Access
Point
Current Firmware
Contact
Description
Zone #7
Zone #8
TFTP Host
Address
Filename
Zone #9
TFTP Timeout
Zone #10
Delete All Access
Points
View Approved
Access Points
Location
Retrieve File
Event Log
Send File
Date
Packet Statistics
Authorization Key
Time
Encryption
Date Format
Wireless Network
Status (Remote)
Authorization Key
Remote Listing
(AP)
Authorized
Features
Encryption Phrase
Auto Key Rotation
(AP Only)
Force Key Rotation
(Remote Only)
Endpoint Listing
(AP)
Radio Test
Test Mode
HTTP Access
Endpoint Listing
(AP)
HTTP Security
Mode
Remote Perf.
Listing (AP)
Frequency
TX Output Power
TxKey
SNMP Access
RSSI
User Password
Telnet Access
NOTES
• Not all items are user-configurable
• Some menu items depend on Device Mode
• Use keyboard’s spacebar to make some
menu selections
KEY
Menu
Selections
Time Remaining
Ping Utility
IP Addr
Editable
Selections
Count
Packet Size
Read-Only
Items
Go
Figure 2-2. Embedded Management System Organization—
Security, Performance & Maintenance Groups (under revision)
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
17
2.1.2 Differences in the User Interfaces
There are slight differences in navigation, but for the most part, the content is the same. You will find a few differences in capabilities—the
communications tool is driven by limitations of the access channel.
Below are samples of the Starting Information Screen seen through a
terminal and a Web-browser.
Invisible place holder
Figure 2-3. View of entraNET MS with a text-based program—
(Terminal or Telnet)
Invisible place holder
Figure 2-4. View of the entraNET MS with a Browser
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MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
2.1.3 Accessing the Embedded Management
System
The menu-based management system provides access to view and configure many unit parameters and provides you with basic diagnostic and
maintenance tools. There are several tools that can be used to gain
access to the entraNET Management System.
• Terminal-Emulator—Use a terminal emulator program on
your PC, such as HyperTerminal, connected directly to the
MDS entraNET 900 COM1 port via a serial cable.
• Telnet—Text-based access to the Management System through
a network connection (AP only).
• Web Browser—Connect to the entraNET units using a Web
browser on a local PC connected directly to the transceiver’s
LAN port or associated network (AP only).
The following are detailed procedures for connecting to the embedded
Management System.
Procedure with
Terminal Emulator
a. Connect a computer’s serial communications port to the transceiver’s COM1 Port connector.
b. Launch a terminal emulator program, such as HyperTerminal, on
the computer. Configure it to 19,200 bps data rate, 8-bit characters, no parity, one stop bit, and no flow-control. Use ANSI or
VT100 emulation.
c. Press the ENTER key. A login screen will be displayed that will
require a user name and password to access the Management
System. (User = entraNET; default password = admin)
The radio will respond with a login screen, followed by the
start-up screen similar to Figure 2-5 on Page 22.
NOTE: If the transceiver is powered-up or rebooted while connected
with a terminal, you will see a series of pages of text information relating to the booting of the unit’s microcomputer. Wait
for the initial entraNET MS login screen before proceeding.
The boot process takes approximately 30 seconds.
Procedure with
Telnet (AP only)
a. Connect a personal computer’s Ethernet port to the LAN Port
connector on the AP transceiver using an Ethernet crossover
cable or connect the AP to the network. (See Figure 3-3 on
Page 81 for location.) The LAN LED will light up.
b. Start the Telnet program on your computer targeting the IP
address of the transceiver to which you are connected and press
the ENTER key.
For example, in Windows: Start>Run>Telnet
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
19
NOTE: Do not use the default IP address (192.168.1.1) if there
are multiple transceivers on the same network set with the
default address.
c. The transceiver will respond with a login screen. Enter your
password and press the ENTER key. (Default = admin)
The entraNET responds with the start-up menu screen.
(Figure 2-6 on Page 23)
Procedure with Web
Browser (AP only)
a. Connect a personal computer’s Ethernet port to the LAN Port
connector on the transceiver using an Ethernet crossover cable.
(See Figure 3-3 on Page 81 for location.) The LAN LED will
light up.
b. Launch a Web-browser (HTTP) program, such as Microsoft’s
Internet Explorer™, on your computer.
c. Type in the radio’s IP address. For example 192.168.1.1 and press
the ENTER key. (Default address = 192.168.1.1)
d. A login screen will be displayed that will require a user name
and password to access the Management System.
(Defaults: user = entraNET; password= admin)
e. The transceiver responds with the startup menu screen.
(See Figure 2-6 on Page 23.)
NOTE: If the default address of 192.168.1.1 does not work, use the
terminal-emulator procedure to communicate with the unit
through the COM1 port. The current IP address will be
displayed on the Starting Information Screen (Figure 2-6 on
Page 23).
2.1.4 Navigating the Menus
Navigating with a Web browser is straightforward with a framed page.
The primary navigation menu is permanently located in the left-hand
window. The right-hand window displays the current menu item.
The text-based interface, accessible through Telnet or terminal emulator, uses a traditional multi-layered text menu system. To move further
down a path in the menu tree, type the letter key to the left of the menu
item. You will automatically move to the associated screen. In most
cases, use the ESCAPE key to move back up a level.
In general, the top portion of the screen shows read-only information
with no user selection letter. The bottom portion of the screen contains
parameters that can be selected for further information, alteration of
values, or to navigate to other menus.
20
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
When you arrive at a screen with user-controllable parameter fields, you
select the menu item by keying in an associated letter. If there is a user
definable value, the field will clear to the right of the menu item and you
will be allowed to type in the value you wish to use. Follow this action
by the ENTER key to save the changes. If you make a mistake or change
your mind before using the ENTER key, press ESCAPE to restore the previous value.
In some cases, when you type a letter to select a parameter, you will see
a prompt at the bottom of the screen that says “Choose an Option.” In
these cases, press the keyboard’s SPACEBAR and you will step through
the available selections. After the desired option appears, press the
ENTER key to save the selection. In some screens, several parameters
may be changed and then saved by a single keystroke. The ESCAPE key
can be used to cancel the action and restore the previous value.
In most cases, you can press the ESCAPE key to exit the action without
implementing any changes or to navigate to the next higher level menu.
2.1.5 Logging In and Out of the Embedded
Management System
Logging in via Telnet or a Web Browser
When you use Telnet or a Web browser to communicate with the transceiver, you will need to know the unit’s IP address, the “User Name”,
and “Password” in advance.
With some Web browsers, the User Name, entraNET will be filled in. If
it is blank, type in entraNET with a lowercase “i” and capitals N-E-T.
The default user password is admin in lowercase letters.
NOTE: Passwords are case sensitive. Do not use punctuation mark
characters. Use a maximum of eight characters.
Once the User Name and Password have been entered, press ENTER.
NOTE: It may be necessary to change your IP access to the local area
network to match the one used by the MDS entraNET 900.
(Defaults: IP–192.168.1.1, Netmask–255.255.0.0) You can
identify or verify the transceiver’s IP address using a
terminal-emulator to communicate with the transceiver
through the COM1 Port and then viewing the Starting Information Screen.
If you are accessing the entraNET MS via a browser connected to the
LAN port, you will see a sign-in screen similar to the one in Figure 2-5.
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21
Invisible place holder
Figure 2-5. Sign-in Screen when using a Web Browser
The transceiver’s Device Name is used as the “Realm.” (See Device
Names Menu on Page 27 to learn how to change this name.) This name
will confirm you are connecting to the transceiver you desire.
Changing Passwords
Via Terminal
Emulator or Telnet
Once you are logged in, you can go to the Device Information Menu and
change the password (case-sensitive). Follow any changes to the password or other parameters with an ENTER key to save the change.
Via Web Browser
At the time of publication, it is not possible to change the password via
the web browser interface. This restriction is done for security reasons—a web browser transmits messages in clear text.
Logging Out of the entraNET Management System
For security reasons, it is best to formally log-out of the entraNET Management System. If you do not formally log out, the session will be terminated within 10 minutes of your last activity with the system.
Web Browser
To logout of the entraNET MS with a Web browser, click on the
“Logout” listing in the left hand frame of the browser window. The
right-hand frame will change to a logout page. Follow the instructions
on this Web page.
Telnet
From the Main Menu, press “Q” to quit and terminate the session. If you
do not manually log out, your session will time-out after 10 minutes of
no keyboard activity.
Terminal Emulator
You do not need to logout from a terminal emulator when connected to
the COM1 port. You can force a logout by pressing the exclamation
point (!) key to optimize the transceiver’s security. (Note: This only
works from the Starting Information Screen or the Main Menu Screen.)
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MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
2.2 BASIC DEVICE INFORMATION
2.2.1 Starting Information Screen
Once you have logged into the entraNET Management System, you will
be presented with a screen that provides an overview of the transceiver
and its current operating condition. It provides an array of vital information on the unit and its operating condition.
Invisible place holder
Figure 2-6. Starting Menu
• Device Mode—Current operating mode of the unit as it
relates to the network.
• Device Name—This is a user-defined parameter that will
appear in the heading of all pages.
(To change it, see Network Configuration Menu on Page 27.)
• Network Name—The name of the network in which the unit
is associated.
• IP Address—Unit’s IP address [192.168.1.1]
• Device Status—Condition of transceiver’s association
with an Access Point.
At the Access Point:
• Alarmed—A alarming event has been logged and not
cleared.
• Operational—Unit operating normally.
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23
At a Remote:
• Scanning—The unit is looking for an Access Point beacon
signal.
• Exp(ecting) Sync(hronization)—The unit has found a valid
beacon signal for its network.
• Hop Sync—The unit has changed its frequency hopping pattern to match that of the Access Point.
• Associated —This unit has successfully synchronized and
associated with an Access Point.
• Alarmed—The unit is has detected one or more alarms that
have not been cleared.
•
•
•
•
NOTE: If an alarm is present when this screen is displayed,
a “A)” will appear to the left of the Device Status field as seen
in Figure 2-6. Pressing the “A” key on your keyboard will
take you directly to the “Current Alarms” screen.
Uptime—Elapsed time since the transceiver was powered-up.
Firmware Version—Version of firmware that is currently
active in the unit.
Hardware Version— Hardware version of the transceiver
printed circuit board.
Serial Number—Make a record of this number. It must be
provided to purchase Authorization Keys to upgrade unit capabilities. (See “Authorization Keys Menu” on Page 71.)
2.2.2 Main Menu
The next screen, the Main Menu, is the entryway to all user-controllable
features. The radio’s Device Name appears at the top of this and all other
screens as a reminder of the unit that is currently being controlled.
Invisible place holder
Figure 2-7. Main Menu
24
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Invisible place holder
• Starting Information Screen—Select this item to
return to the start-up screen. (See “Starting Information
Screen” on Page 23)
• Network Configuration—Tools to configure the data
network layer of the transceiver. (See “Network Configuration
Menu” on Page 27)
• Radio Configuration—Tools to configure the wireless
(radio) layer of the transceiver. (See “Radio Configuration
Menu” on Page 29)
• Serial Gateway Configuration—Tools to configure
the COM2 serial port. (See “Serial Data Port Configuration
Menu” on Page 33)
• Security Configuration—Tools to configure the security services available with the transceiver environment.
(See “SECURITY CONFIGURATION” on Page 42)
• Device Information—Top level user-specific and definable parameters, such as unit password. (See “Device Information Menu” on Page 25)
• Performance Information—Tools to measure the radio
and data layer’s performance of the network.
(See “Performance Information Menu” on Page 45)
• Maintenance/Tools—Tools to use configuration files,
change firmware and use Authorization Keys to change major
unit capabilities. (See “Authorization Key —Alter the unit’s
overall capabilities by enabling the built-in resources.
(See “Authorization Keys Menu” on Page 71)” on Page 58)
2.2.3 Configuring Basic Device Parameters
Device Information Menu
Below is the menu/screen that displays basic administrative data on the
unit to which you are connected. It also provides access to some userspecific parameters such as password and device names.
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25
Invisible place holder
Figure 2-8. Device Information Menu
•
•
•
•
Model Number (Display only)
Serial Number (Display only)
Hardware Version (Display only)
Firmware Version (Display only)—Current firmware
installed and being used by the transceiver.
• Uptime (Display only)—Elapsed time since powering up.
• User Password—Password for gaining access to the entraNET Management System from remote locations (over-the-air
or LAN) and for changing parameters settings. Use this menu
item to change the password. [admin]
•
•
•
•
26
This menu item is always accessible via a terminal connected to
the COM1 Port, and via Telnet if access enabled in the unit’s
Security Configuration Menu (Page 42).
Device Names Menu—Fields used at user’s discretion for
general administrative purposes. The Device Name field is used
by the transceiver as the “Realm” name for network security and
in the entraNET MS screen headings. (See Figure 2-9 on
Page 27)
Date—Current date being used for the transceiver logs.
User-setable. (Value lost with power failure if SNTP (Simple
Network Time Protocol) server not accessible.)
Time—Current time of day. User-setable.
Setting: HH:MM:SS
(Value lost with power failure if SNTP server not accessible.)
Date Format—Select presentation format:
• Generic = dd Mmm yyyy
• European = dd-mm-yyyy
• US = mm-dd-yyyy
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Device Names Menu
Screen not found in MDS entraNET
Figure 2-9. Device Names Menu
• Device Name—Device Name, used by the transceiver as
the “Realm” name for network security and menu headings.
• Owner—User defined; appears on this screen only.
• Contact—User defined; appears on this screen only.
• Description—User defined; appears on this screen only.
• Location—User defined; appears on this screen only.
2.3 CONFIGURING NETWORK
PARAMETERS
2.3.1 Network Configuration Menu
The Network Configuration Menu is the home of three parameters that
should be reviewed and changed as necessary before placing an transceiver in service—Device Mode, IP Address and Network Name.
Screens for both the Access Point and Remote units are shown below.
Invisible place holder
Figure 2-10. Network Configuration Menu
From Access Point
• Network Name (User Review Required)—Name of the network
of which this unit will be a part. Essential for association of
Remotes to the Access Point in the entraNET network. [Not
Programmed]
• IP Address (User Review Recommended)—Essential for connectivity to the MDS entraNET 900 MS via the LAN port and Ethernet data over the network. Enter any valid IP address that will
be unique within the network. [192.168.1.1]
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
27
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CAUTION: Changing this value in the transceiver while you are
communicating with it over the network, will cause a loss of
communication with the transceiver. Communication will need
to be re-established using the new IP address.
IP Netmask—The IPv4 local subnet mask. This field is
unnecessary if DHCP is enabled. [255.255.0.0]
IP Gateway—The IPv4 address of the default gateway
device, typically a router. This field is unnecessary if DHCP is
enabled. [0.0.0.0]
SNTP Server—Address of server from which the transceiver
will automatically get the time-of-day. Without an SNTP
server, the date and time must be manually set. [0.0.0.0]
DHCP Server Config(uration)—Menu for configuration of DHCP services by the Access Point unit. DHCP provides
on-the-fly IP address assignments to other LAN devices, including MDS entraNET 900 units. [Disabled]
DHCP Client—Enabling this option forces the transceiver
(AP or Remote) to obtain an IP address from any DHCP server
available on the LAN. [Disabled]
Ethernet Link Watch (Access Point Only)—Detects the
lack of activity (no traffic) through the Ethernet port in the specified time period. If the period expires, then all Remotes are dissociated and expected to re-associate with an alternate AP. The
current AP will broadcast a beacon indicating its “NOT
AVAILABLE” status so Remotes that hear him do not try to
associate to it. Once traffic is restored this beacon signal
changes to “AVAILABLE” and Remotes are allowed to join in.
[Disabled]
Max(imum Allowed) Remotes (Access Point Only)—Number of Remotes permitted to be associated with (served by) this
Access Point. [50]
Ethernet Address (Display Only)—Hardware address of
this unit’s Ethernet interface.
Wireless Address (Display Only)—Hardware address of the
unit’s wireless interface.
2.4 CONFIGURING RADIO
PARAMETERS
There are two primary data layers in the MDS entraNET 900 network—
radio and data. Since the data layer is dependent on the radio layer
working properly, this is a good place to make sure the unit is configured
as you want it to be. This is the primary radio menu, the Radio Configuration Menu, and a secondary menu, the Skip Zone Options.
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MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
2.4.1 Radio Configuration Menu
Figure 2-11. Radio Configuration Menu
From Access Point
• RF Output Power (User Review Recommended)—Set RF power
output level. Displayed in dBm. Setting should reflect local regulatory limitations and losses in antenna transmission line.
(See “How Much Output Power Can be Used?” on Page 110
for information on how to calculate this value.) [20–30; 20]
• Data Rate (Remote Only)—Over-the-air data transmission rate
for this remote. Remotes can operate at different data rates when
communicating with a common Access Point. 115.2 kbps data
rates are possible with strong RF signal levels (> –79 dBm RSSI
including a 15 dB fade margin). Data throughput will be
reduced in the presence of interference due to retransmissions.
The data rate value for Access Points is displayed as AP. This
shows that the AP is varying the communication speed with
each Remote depending on the received signal strength from
each station. [115.2, AUTO; AUTO]
• Dwell Time—Duration of one hop on a particular frequency
in the hopping pattern. Dwell Time should be set to 32.8 ms.
(This field is only changeable on an Access Point. Remotes get
their value from AP upon association.)
[16.4, 32.8, 65.5, 131.1, 262.1 msec; 32.8]
TIP: If a packet is being transmitted and the dwell time
expires, the packet will be completed before hopping to the next
frequency.
• Beacon Period—Amount of time between Beacon transmissions (msec).
Available Intervals: Fast (52 ms), Normal (104 ms), Moderate
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29
(208 ms), and Slow (508 ms). These values provide relatively
quick association times where Fast is very fast (≈ 5 sec) and the
other end, the largest recommended value, the 508 ms period is
slow (≈ 60 sec). [Fast, Normal, Moderate Slow; Normal]
TIP: Increasing the Beacon Period will provide a small
improvement in network data throughput. Shortening it
decreases the time needed for Remotes to associate with
the AP. A short period is usually only a benefit when there
are mobile Remotes in the network.
• Hop Pattern Seed (Access Point Only)—A user-selectable
value to be added to the hop pattern formula in an unlikely event
of identical hop patterns of two co-located or nearby networks.
Changing the seed value will minimize possible RF-signal collisions of transceivers. (This field is only changeable on an
Access Point. Remotes read the AP’s value upon association.) [1
to 65,000; 1]
• Fragment Threshold—Before transmitting over the air, if
a packet exceeds this number of bytes, the transceiver sends the
packet in multiple fragments that are reassembled before being
delivered over the Ethernet interface at the receiving end. Use
smaller values on high interference locations. (See “Network
Performance Notes” on Page 54.) [(256–1600 bytes; 1600]
TIP: In an interference-free environment this value should be
large to maximize throughput. If interference exists then
the value should be set to smaller values. The smaller the
packet the less chance of it being interfered with at the cost
of slightly reduced throughput.
• RTS Threshold—Number of bytes for the over-the-air
RTS/CTS handshake boundary. (See “Network Performance
Notes” on Page 54.) [0 to 1600 bytes; 500]
TIP: Lower the RTS Threshold as the number of Remotes or
overall over-the-air traffic increases. Using RTS/CTS is a
trade-off, giving up some throughput in order to prevent
collisions in a busy over-the-air network.
The RTS Threshold should be enabled and set with a value
smaller than the Fragmentation Threshold described
above. RTS forces the Remotes to request permission
from the AP before sending a packet. The AP sends a CTS
control packet to grant permission to one Remote. All
other Remotes stop transmitting for the specified amount
of time.
• RSSI Threshold—Level (dBm) below which connection is
deemed to have degraded, and an critical event is generated and
logged. [0 to -120; Not Programmed]
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• SNR Threshold—Value (dB) below which the wireless network connection is deemed to have degraded and an critical
event is generated and logged. [0 to 40; Not Programmed]
• Hop Format—Operation compliant to country-specific
restrictions into the frequency hopping algorithm. This option
must be specified when the order is placed and cannot be modified in the field by the user. Authorizations at time of publication:
• Australia: 915–928 MHz band
• Brazil: 902-907.5 and 915-928 MHz bands
• U.S.A. & Canada: 902–928 MHz band
NOTE: Other country-specific configurations may be available.
Check with your MDS sales representative for new additions.
• Skip Zones (Editable at Access Point Only)—Display of current
utilization of zones. Each zone consists of eight RF channels.
(See “Skip Zone Options Menu” on Page 31.)
Skip Zone Options Menu
Invisible place holder
Figure 2-12. Skip Zones Menu
(“Commit changes” displayed only on Access Point units)
This is a display of current utilization of 10 zones, each of eight RF
operating frequencies. Zones can be toggled between Active and
Skipped at Access Point units by first keying in the letter of the zone
to be changed, and then pressing the spacebar to toggle between the
two options for each zone. Select the Commit Changes menu item to
implement changes. These changes will be forwarded to all units in
the network through the Access Point’s beacon signal.
A maximum of three zones can be skipped and still be compliant
with FCC regulations.
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31
2.5 CONFIGURING THE SERIAL
INTERFACES
2.5.1 Overview
Modes
The transceiver includes an embedded terminal server that provides
serial-data-encapsulation over IP. In this capacity, the entraNET 900
acts as a gateway between serial and IP remotes devices. Two basic scenarios come to mine, PC applications using IP to talk to remote devices,
or serial PC applications talking to remote serial-devices over an IP network.
Two types of services are offered by the transceiver—TCP and UDP.
TCP provides a connection-type link, and end-to-end acknowledgment
of data, but with some added overhead. UDP provides a best-effort
delivery service.
Most polled protocols will be best served by UDP services as the protocol itself has built-in recovery mechanisms (error-correction). UDP
provides the needed multidrop operation by means of multicast
addressing, where multiple remote devices will receive and process the
same poll message. The serial-to-serial example which follows, shows
how to provide multicast services. (See “Point-to-Multipoint
Serial-to-Serial Application Example” on Page 39.)
On the other hand, TCP services are best suited for applications that do
not have a recovery mechanism (error-correction) and most have the
guaranteed delivery that TCP provides despite the extra overhead. The
IP-to-Serial example shows how to do this. (See “IP-to-Serial Application Example” on Page 36.)
Essentially the same data services are available for both serial ports:
COM1 and COM2. Note that the transceiver COM1 port is DCE and COM2
is DTE. Therefore, if the RTU to be connected is also DTE, then a
null-modem cable will need to be used when connecting to COM2.
NOTE: In the discussion that follows, COM1 and COM2 will be treated
alike unless noted. They provide essentially the same data
services.
Configuration
There are several configuration parameters for the Remote Serial
Gateway found under the Serial Configuration Menu of the entraNET
Management System. Note that some of the parameters are not applicable to IP-to-Serial mode. After making changes to the configuration,
you must use the menu’s “Execute Changes” to cause the transceiver to
implement the requested changes.
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
If you are connecting EIA-232 serial devices to the transceiver, review
these parameters carefully.
Serial Configuration Wizard
The Serial Configuration Wizard (FW≥ 3.0) available through the Serial
Data Port Configuration Menu is recommended for configuration of
serial ports. The wizard uses a step-by-step process, will eliminate possible conflicting settings, and streamline complex configurations.
2.5.2 Serial Data Port Configuration Menu
The first two menu present the identical parameter fields for each port
with one exception—Flow Control. This is available only on Com2.
Figure 2-13. COM1/2—Serial Data Port Configuration Menu
• Serial Configuration Wizard—Tool for configuration of serial ports using a step-by-step process.
• Com1 Serial Data Port—For additional information
see Page 33.
• Com2 Serial Data Port—For additional information
see Page 33.
• Serial Data Statistics—Provides statistics on the
serial and IP activity through the COM1 and COM2 ports.
(See Page 36 for details)
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33
Serial Data Port Configuration Screens
Figure 2-14. COM1/2—Serial Gateway Configuration Screen
NOTE: Setting this parameter for COM1 port to Enable prevents access
of the entraNET Management System (MS) through this port.
However, the entraNET MS can still be accessed via Telnet or
browser through the LAN port.
TIP: If you need to restore the COM1 port to support entraNET Management System services, connect a terminal to the port and enter
an escape sequence to reset it the console mode. (+++ ENTER)
• Status—Enable/Disable the serial data port.
• Data Baud Rate—Data rate (payload) for the COM port
in bits-per-second. [1,200–115,200; 19200]
• Configuration—Interface signaling parameters. Data
bits, parity and stop bits.
[7N1, 7E1, 7O1, 8N1, 8E1, 8O1; 8N1]
• Flow Control [Com2 Only] (Access Point Only)—
RTS/CTS handshaking between the transceiver and connected device. [Enable, Disable; Disabled]
• Seamless Mode— If data buffering is Enabled, the radio
will operate in seamless mode. Data bytes will be sent over
the air as quickly as possible, but the receiver will buffer the
data until enough bytes have arrived to cover worst case gaps
in transmission. The delay introduced by data buffering may
range from 22 to 44 ms, but the radio will not create any gaps
in the output data stream. This mode of operation is required
for protocols such as MODBUS™ that do not allow gaps in
their data transmission. [Enable, Disable; Disabled]
• Delimiter— Number of characters that represent the end
of a message (inter-character time-out). A transceiver receiving data through the serial port will send an end-of-message
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
signal to the remote end. MODBUS defines a “3.5-character”
parameter. [0–1,000; 0]
• Buffer Size—Maximum amount of characters, that the
Remote end will buffer locally before starting to transmit
data through the serial port. [0–100; 4]
• IP Protocol—TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or
UDP (User Datagram Protocol). [TCP, UDP; TCP]
•
•
•
•
This is the type of IP port that will be offered by the transceiver serial device server. UDP requires configuration of
Send to Address parameter. NOTE: TCP has guaranteed delivery, but at the expense of more overhead; UDP delivery is not
guaranteed, but has less overhead.
Send to Address—The IP address to be used as a destination for data received through the serial port. To reach
multiple Remotes in the network, use a multicast address at
the AP. Remotes in the network should have the multicast
address programmed in their Send to Address.
[Any legal IP address; 0.0.0.0]
Send to Port—The IP port to which data packets
received from the device connected to the transceiver should
be sent. [Any valid IP port; COM1: 30010, COM2: 30011]
Receive on Port—Receive IP data from this source and
pass it through to the connected serial device. The port number must be used by the application connecting to local TCP
socket. [Any valid IP port; COM1: 30010, COM2: 30011]
Receive on Address—Must be configured with a valid
multicast address. IP packets received with a matching destination address will be terminated at this unit
[Any legal IP address; 0.0.0.0]
Used only for UDP multicast purposes
• Execute Changes—Save and execute changes made on
this screen (Shown only after changes have been entered.)
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
35
Serial Data Statistics Menu
This screen provides a summary of port activity for both serial data
ports. These values will be reset to zero after a reboot cycle.
Library Admin Office
Serial Data Statistics Menu
-==========================================================================Com1 Data Statistics
Bytes
Bytes
Bytes
Bytes
In On Port
Out On Port
In On Socket
Out On Socket
Com2 Data Statistics
834
312
872
392
A) Clear Com1 Statistics
Bytes
Bytes
Bytes
Bytes
In On Port
Out On Port
In On Socket
Out On Socket
159
976
324
870
B) Clear Com2 Statistics
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-15. Serial Data Statistics Screen
(Both COM1 and COM2 will be shown)
• Bytes in on port—Number of bytes received by the
transceiver through the serial interface
• Bytes out on port—Number of bytes transmitted by
the transceiver through the serial interface
• Bytes in on socket—Number of bytes received by the
transceiver through the IP socket
• Bytes out on socket—Number of bytes transmitted by
the transceiver through the IP socket
In general, the number of bytes Out on Socket should
follow the number of bytes In On Port as all bytes
received on the serial port should be transmitted out to the IP
interface. The same should be true in the opposite direction,
bytes Out On Port should follow bytes In On
Socket.
• Clear Com1 Statistics—Resets counter to zero.
• Clear Com2 Statistics—Resets counter to zero.
2.5.3 IP-to-Serial Application Example
You have a choice to use UDP or TCP to establish communications.
This will depend on the type of device you are communicating with at
the other end of the IP network. In this example we will use TCP to illustrate its use.
In TCP mode, the transceiver remains in a passive mode offering a
socket for connection. Once a request is received, data received in the
serial port will be sent out through the IP socket and vice versa, until the
connection is closed, or the link is interrupted. The TCP session has a
timeout of 10 minutes. If inactive for that time, it will be closed. The
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
transceiver will offer again the port for connection after this time. In this
mode, the entraNET 900 behaves the same, whether it is an Access Point
or a Remote. (See Figure 2-16 and Table 2-1)
Establishing a
Connection
From the PC, establish a TCP connection to the IP address of the
Remote transceiver and to the IP port as configured above (typically
30011). A Telnet client application can be used to establish this connection. Data can now be sent between the PC and the RTU or other connected device.
Invisible place holder
192.168.0.10
192.168.0.1
Ethernet
Crosssover
192.168.0.2
LA
COM
COM
PW
LIN
Computer
or Network
EIA-232
iNET 900
Remote
iNET 900
Access Point
RTU
Figure 2-16. IP-to-Serial Application Diagram
Table 2-1. Serial Port Application Configuration
IP-to-Serial Connection
Unit Location
Menu Item
Setting
Access Point
None is required
None is required
Remote Unit
IP Address
192.168.0.2
Status
Enabled
IP Protocol
TCP
Baud Rate
9,600 (Example)
Flow Control
None
Receive on Port
30011
2.5.4 Point-to-Point Serial-to-Serial Application
Example
Once the transceivers are configured and the changes have been executed, they begin processing any data presented at the COM ports. Data
presented at the Access Point’s COM port will be packetized and sent via
UDP to the Remote. Upon receiving the packet, the Remote strips the
data out of the UDP packet and sends it out its COM port. Likewise, data
presented at the Remote’s COM port is packetized, sent to the Access
Point, stripped, and sent out the Access Point’s COM port. Note, this
configuration does not use multicast addressing.
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37
Invisible place holder
192.168.0.10
192.168.0.1
192.168.0.2
LA
COM
EIA-232
Terminal
or Computer
COM
PW
LIN
EIA-232
iNET 900
Remote
iNET 900
Access Point
RTU
Figure 2-17. Point-to-Point Serial-to-Serial Application Diagram
Table 2-2. Serial Port Application Configuration
MDS entraNET 900
Unit Location
Menu Item
Setting
Access Point (COM2)1
Status
Enabled
Data Baud Rate
9,600 (Example)
Flow Control
Hardware (Example)
Seamless Mode
Disabled
Delimiter (Chars)
Buffer Size
IP Protocol
UDP
Send to Address
192.168.0.2
(IP address of the entraNET
Remote)
Send to Port
30011
Receive on Port
30011 (Not used)
Receive on
Address
0.0.0.0 (Not used)
Status
Enabled
Data Baud Rate
9,600 (Example)
Flow Control
X-ON/X-OFF (Example)
Seamless Mode
Disabled
Delimiter
0 (Characters)
Buffer Size
0 (Characters)
IP Protocol
UDP
Send to Address
192.168.0.1
(IP address of the entraNET AP)
Send to Port
30011
Receive on Port
30011 (Not used)
Receive on
Address
0.0.0.0 (Not used)
Remote Unit (COM2)1
1. Either COM port can be used, but they must be the same ones at both ends
of the link. Both COM ports can be used simultaneously for two independent
data channels.
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2.5.5 Point-to-Multipoint Serial-to-Serial Application
Example
The operation and data flow for this mode is very similar to
Point-to-Point serial-to-serial application, except that it uses multicast
addressing. The primary difference is that data presented at the Access
Point’s COM port will be packetized and sent via UDP to all of the
Remotes. Upon receiving the packet all of the Remotes strip the data out
of the UDP packet and send it out their COM port. Likewise, data presented at any of the Remotes’ COM ports is packetized, sent to the
Access Point, stripped, and sent out the Access Point’s COM port.
Invisible place holder
192.168.0.2
192.168.0.10
LA
192.168.0.1
COM
EIA-232
COM
PW
LIN
iNET 900
Remote
192.168.0.3
RTU
EIA-232
LA
COM
EIA-232
COM
PW
Terminal
or Computer
LIN
iNET 900
Access Point
RTU
iNET 900
Remote
LA
COM
EIA-232
COM
PW
LIN
192.168.0.4
iNET 900
Remote
RTU
Figure 2-18. Point-to-Multipoint Serial-to-Serial Application
Diagram
Invisible place holder
Table 2-3. Serial Port Application Configuration
MDS entraNET 900
Unit Location
Menu Item
Setting
Access Point (COM2)1
Status
Enabled
Baud Rate
9600 (Example)
Seamless Mode
Disabled
Flow Control
Disabled
IP Protocol
UDP
Send to Address
224.254.1.1—
Multicast Address2
Send to Port
30011
Receive on Port
30011
Receive on Address
0.0.0.0 (Not applicable)
Enable
Enabled
Baud Rate
2,400 (Example)
Seamless Mode
Disabled
Flow Control
Hardware (Example)
IP Protocol
UDP
Send to Address
192.168.0.1
Remote Units (COM2)1
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39
Table 2-3. Serial Port Application Configuration
MDS entraNET 900
Unit Location
Menu Item
Setting
Send to Port
30011
Receive on Port
30011
Receive on Address
224.254.1.1 —
Multicast Address2
1. Either COM port can be used, but they must be the same ones at
both ends of the link. Both COM ports can be used simultaneously for
two independent data channels.
2. This address is an example only. Any Class D IP address will work.
2.5.6 Mixed Modes
Note that in this example, the TCP mode does not involve the Access
Point. Thus, the transceiver in a single network can run in both modes at
the same time. In other words, some Remotes can be configured for TCP
mode while others can be configured (along with the Access Point) for
UDP mode.
In this configuration, the Host PC can use both data paths to reach the
RTUs. This may be helpful when a mixed collection of RTUs is present
where some RTUs can operate in a broadcast form while others cannot.
(See Figure 2-19 on Page 40 and Table 2-4 on Page 41)
Operation and Data Flow
• Communicate with RTU A by Telneting to Remote 1, port 30011.
• Communicate with RTU B by Telneting to Remote 2, port 30011.
• Communicate with RTUs C and D by sending and receiving data
from the Access Point’s COM port.
• All communication paths can be used simultaneously.
Invisible place holder
RTU–A
LA
COM
COM
PW
LIN
EIA-232
iNET 900
Remote 1
iNET 900
Access Point
LA
COM
COM
PW
LIN
EIA-232
RTU–B
iNET 900
Remote 2
Ethernet
Crosssover
RTU–C
LA
COM
Terminal
or Computer
COM
PW
LIN
EIA-232
EIA-232
iNET 900
Remote 3
LA
COM
COM
PW
LIN
EIA-232
RTU–D
iNET 900
Remote 4
Figure 2-19. Mixed-Modes Application Diagram
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Table 2-4. Serial Port Application Configuration
MDS entraNET 900
Unit Location
Menu Item
Setting
Access Point
Status
Enabled
Baud Rate
9,600
Flow Control
Disabled
IP Protocol
UDP
Send to Address
A multicast IP address such as
224.254.1.1
Send to Port
30011
Receive on Port
30011
Receive on Address
0.0.0.0 (Not Used)
Status
Enabled
Baud Rate
2,400
Flow Control
Disabled
IP Protocol
TCP
Receive on Port
30011
Status
Enabled
Baud Rate
9,600
Flow Control
Disabled
IP Protocol
UDP
Send to Address
IP address of the entraNET AP
Send to Port
30011
Receive on Port
30011
Remote Units 1 & 2 (COM2)
Remote Units 3 & 4 (COM2)
Receive on Address
224.254.1.1
(The multicast IP address used
for the AP’s Send To Address
above)
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2.6 SECURITY CONFIGURATION
There are many options for assisting you in providing secondary security for your transceivers and the network. These options start with controlling remote access to the network via Telnet, Web Browser, and
SNMP. Other areas include multiple levels of encryption and
MD5-level security for HTTP connections.
MIS Wireless IP Host
Security Configuration Menu
-==========================================================================A) Provisioning
enabled
G) Approved Remotes List
B) Encryption
disabled
H) Encryption Phrase
C) Auto Key Rotation
disabled
I) Force Key Rotation
D) HTTP Access
disabled
J) HTTP Security Mode
Basic Auth
E) SNMP Access
disabled
K) User Password
********
F) Telnet Access
enabled
********
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-20. Security Configuration Menu
(Access Point Version Shown)
• Provisioning— Enable provisioning at the Remote.
[Enabled/Disabled; Disabled]
Enabling forces the entraNET 900 to check the Approved AP
List before continuing the authorization process. In the case of
a Remote, the AP must be in the Approved Access Points List
before it accepts the beacon as valid. In the case of an AP, a
Remote must be in the Approved Remotes List to be granted
authorization. Before enabling this option, at least one entry
must already exist in the Approved List.
• Encryption— Enable encryption of over-the-air data packets. [Enabled, Disabled; Disabled]
Enabling forces the transceiver to use 128-bit encryption on all
over-the-air messages. This option requires the Encryption
Phrase to be previously configured.
• Auto Key Rotation—Enable automatic rotation of
encryption keys. [Enabled, Disabled; Disabled]
Enabling forces the transceiver to use the key rotation algorithm
to generate a new encryption key after 500 kilobytes of information has been transmitted, or one hour has elapsed. Key rotation
prevents reusing encryption data that could result in key-cracking, unlike standard 802.11b communications that rely on static
encryption keys.
• HTTP Access—Prevents remote access through HTTP (Web
browser) on Port 80 [Enabled/Disabled; Disabled]
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MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
• SNMP Access— Prevents remote access through SNMP commands on Port 161 [Enabled, Disabled; Enabled]
• Telnet Access—Prevents remote access through Telnet
sessions on Port 23 [Enabled, Disabled; Enabled]
• Approved Access Points/Remotes List
(Menu)—Go to menu providing the creation and management
list of units permitted (provisioned) with which this unit will be
permitted to communicate.
• Encryption Phrase—Phrase (text & numbers) that will be
part of the encryption algorithm. [Any 30-character alphanumeric string; Blank]
• Force Key Rotation— It triggers an immediate key rotation of the encryption keys before the internal counters do it
automatically.
• HTTP Security Mode—Select security mode/level of login
via HTTP browser. HTTP Access disabled prevents access
through HTTP. HTTP Security Mode is functional if HTTP
Access is enabled. [Basic Auth, MD5 Digest; Basic Auth]
Basic mode requires a password, but the actual password text is
transmitted in the clear (unencrypted).
MD5 is the most secure. MD5 Digest protects/encrypts the
password but is only supported by Microsoft’s Internet
Explorer™ browser at the time of publication.
User Password—General administrative password only for this
unit. Used at log-in via COM1 Port, Telnet and Web browser. [Up
to 8-character alphanumeric string without spaces (case-sensitive);
Default=admin]
TIP: For enhanced security, consider using a misspelled word. This
helps protect against sophisticated hackers who may use a database
of common words (e.g., dictionary file) to determine a password.
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
43
2.6.1 Approved Remotes/Access Points List Menu
This menu is the same for both Access Points and Remotes and the
names change to reflect their mode. Replace “Remotes” with Access
Points” in the following description.
MIS Wireless IP Host
Approved Remotes List Menu
-==========================================================================A) Add Remote
00:06:3D:00:0B:D7
B) Delete Remote
00:00:00:00:00:00
Remote Added
C) Add Associated Remotes
D) Delete All Remotes
E) View Approved Remotes
F) Save Changes
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-21. Approved Remotes List Menu
• Add Remote—Enter MAC address of Remote.
[Any valid 6-octet MAC address; 00:00:00:00:00:00]
• Delete Remote—Enter MAC address of Remote.
•
•
•
•
For security purposes, you may want to delete a stolen or deprovisioned radio.
Add Associated Remotes—Add all currently associated
remotes (1-255) to the approved remote list. Alternatively, you
can enter each Remote MAC manually.
Delete All Remotes—Remove (complete purge) of all
Remotes from current list.
View Approved Remotes—Simple listing of approved
Remotes by MAC address, of radios authorized to join this AP.
If a Remote is not in this list, it will not be able to associate with
this AP.
Save Changes—Save all changes made during this session
with this menu. Changes will be implemented only if they are
“saved” before exiting this menu.
2.7 PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION
After the basic operation of the radio has been checked, you may wish
to optimize the network’s performance using some of the following suggestions. The effectiveness of these techniques will vary with the design
of your system and the format of the data being sent.
There are two major areas for possible improvement—the radio and the
data network. The following sections will provide you with a variety of
44
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
items to check and on many occasions, ways to correct or improve their
performance.
2.7.1 Performance Information Menu
This menu/screen is one of two primary sources of information on the
radio layer and shows network performance.
Library Admin Office
Performance Information Menu
-==========================================================================RF Output Power
25 dBm
Signal to Noise
26 dBm
RSSI
-80 dBm
Actual Data Rate
115.2 kbps
A) RSSI By Zone
C) Packet Statistics
B) Event Log
D) Wireless Network Status
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-22. Performance Information Menu
(Remote Version Shown)
• RF Output Power (Display only)—Measured power output.
(See “How Much Output Power Can be Used?” on Page 110)
• Signal-to-Noise (Display only)—Current running-average
SNR value all active operating frequencies.
(No value displayed on APs)
• RSSI (Display only)—Current running-average Received Signal
Strength Indication for all active operating frequencies.
(No value displayed on APs.)
• Actual Data Rate—Over-the-air transmission rate (as opposed
to selected data rate) for the remote being monitored. The fastest
data rates can generally be achieved with stronger signal levels.
• RSSI by Zone—Received Signal Strength Indicator by
Zone. (See “RSSI by Zone Menu (Remotes Only)” on Page 46)
• Event Log—Access the menu for managing the unit’s log of
operational activities.(See “Authorization Key —Alter the unit’s
overall capabilities by enabling the built-in resources.
(See “Authorization Keys Menu” on Page 71)” on Page 58)
• Packet Statistics—Multiple radio and network operating statistics. (See “Packet Statistics Menu” on Page 49)
• Wireless Network Status (Displayed only at Remotes)—
Current association state and MAC address of the Access Point.
(See “Wireless Network Status (Remotes Only)” on Page 50)
• Remote Listing (AP Display only) —List of basic information
for all Remote units currently associated with this Access Point.
(See “Remote Listing Menu (Access Points Only)” on Page 52)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
45
• Endpoint Listing (AP Display only)—List of units accessible
by this AP through associated Remote ports.
(See “Endpoint Listing Menu (Access Points Only)” on
Page 53)
• Remote Performance Listing (AP Display only)—
(See “Remote Performance Listing Menu (Access Points Only)”
on Page 54)
RSSI by Zone Menu (Remotes Only)
This screen displays the strength of RF signals received from the currently associated Access Point.
Wireless network integrity depends partially on stable radio signal
levels being received at each end of a data link. In general, signal levels
stronger than –80 dBm will provide reliable communication that
includes a 15 dB fade margin.
If you find there is a poor signal level on one zone, check the Packet Statistics Menu section on Page 49 and record the values. Then, set the
questionable zone to “Skipped” in the Radio Configuration Menu (Page
29) and look for an improvement in the Packet Statistics error rates. If
there is none, return the Zone to “Active.”
RSSI measurements and Wireless Packet Statistics are based on multiple samples over a period of several seconds. The average of these
measurements will be displayed by the entraNET Management System.
MIS Com. Room
RSSI by Zone Menu
-==========================================================================Zone #1
-93 dBm
Zone #6
-95 dBm
Zone #2
Skipped
Zone #7
-92 dBm
Zone #3
-98 dBm
Zone #8
-88 dBm
Zone #4
-99 dBm
Zone #9
-87 dBm
Zone #5
-97 dBm
Zone #10
-86 dBm
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-23. RSSI by Zone Menu
TIP: Under normal circumstances, the signal levels in each zone should
be within a few decibels of each other. If you see one that is significantly lower or higher, it may be a sign of radio frequency interference from another signal source on the 900 MHz band.
See “Network Performance Notes” on Page 54 for further information.
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Event Log Menu
The transceiver’s microprocessor monitors many operational parameters and logs them. Events are classified into four levels of importance,
which are described in Table 2-5. Some of these events will result from
a condition that prevents the normal of the unit—these are “critical”
events. These will cause the unit to enter an “alarmed” state and the
POWER LED to blink until the condition is corrected. All events are
stored in the Events Log that can hold up to 8,000 entries.
Table 2-5. Event Classifications
Time and Date
Level
Description/Impact
Informational
Normal operating activities
Minor
Does not affect unit operation
Major
Degraded unit performance but
still capable of operation
Critical
Prevents the unit from operating
The events stored in the Event Log are time-stamped using the time and
date of the local transceiver. Remote transceivers obtain this information from the Access Point when they associate with it. The Access Point
obtains the time and date from a Time Server. This server can generally
be provided by a standard Windows PC server SNTP application. In the
absence of the SNTP services, the user must manually enter it at the
Access Point. (See “Device Information Menu” on Page 25 for SNTP
server identification.) The manually set time and date clock is dependent
on the unit’s primary power. A loss of power will reset the clock to January 1, 2002 but will not affect previously stored error events.
Library Admin Office
Event Log Menu
-==========================================================================A) Current Alarms
B) View Log
C) Clear Log
D) Send Log
E) TFTP Host Address
127.0.0.1
F) Filename
G) TFTP Timeout
10 sec
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-24. Event Log Menu
• Current Alarms (Telnet/Terminal only)—View list of root
causes that have placed the Device Status in the alarmed state.
(See “Alarm Conditions” on Page 92)
• View Log—View a list of events stored in the current log.
Some of these events are stored in volatile memory and will be
erased with a loss of power.
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
47
• Clear Log—Purges the log of all events
TIP: Save your Event Log before choosing to clear it in order
to retain potentially valuable troubleshooting information.
(See “Upgrading the Firmware” on Page 59 for an overview on how to transfer files from the transceiver to a
computer on the network using TFTP.)
• Send Log (Telnet/Terminal only)—Initiate TFTP transfer of the
unit’s event Event Log in a plain text (ASCII) file to a TFTP
server at the remote location.
• TFTP Host Address (Telnet/Terminal only)—IP address of
the computer on which the TFTP server resides.
[Any valid IP address; 127.0.0.1]
• Filename (Telnet/Terminal only)—Name to be given to the
Event Log file sent to the TFTP server for archiving.
[Any 40-char alphanumeric string; Blank]
NOTE: You may want to change it to reflect the type of log you
intend to archive and/or its date.
• TFTP Time-out (Telnet/Terminal only)—Time in seconds the
TFTP server will wait for a packet ACK (acknowledgment)
from the transceiver before suspending the file transfer.
[10 to 120 seconds; 10]
View Current Alarms
Library Admin Office
Current Alarms
-==========================================================================EVENT_BRIDGE
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-25. Current Alarms Screen
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
View Event Log
Library Admin Office
Event Log
-==========================================================================Num
Date
Time
Description
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------==START OF OPERATIONS LOG==
1 28 Dec 2001 23:21 Hop Table Write Successful
2 28 Dec 2001 23:21 Scanning Started
3 29 Dec 2001 20:55 Received Beacon OK
4 29 Dec 2001 20:55 Hop Table Write Successful
5 29 Dec 2001 20:55 Expected Sync Established
6 29 Dec 2001 20:55 Hop Sync Established
7 29 Dec 2001 20:55 Association Established
8 29 Dec 2001 20:56 Association Lost
9 29 Dec 2001 20:56 Hop Table Write Successful
10 29 Dec 2001 20:56 Scanning Started
11 29 Dec 2001 20:57 Received Beacon OK
12 29 Dec 2001 20:57 Hop Table Write Successful
13 29 Dec 2001 20:57 Expected Sync Established
14 29 Dec 2001 20:57 Hop Sync Established
Use Up, Down, Pg-Up, Pg-Dn, Home or End to view log,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-26. Sample Event Log Screen
Packet Statistics Menu
Library Admin Office
Packet Statistics Menu
-==========================================================================Wireless Packet Statistics
Packets received
Packets sent
Bytes received
Bytes sent
Packets dropped
Receive errors
Retries
Retry errors
2206
2177
247575
236106
A) Clear Wireless stats
Ethernet Packet Statistics
Packets received
Packets sent
Bytes received
Bytes sent
Packets dropped
Receive errors
Lost carrier detected
2172
161877
B) Clear Ethernet stats
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-27. Sample Packet Statistics Menu
Wireless Packet
Statistics
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
• Packets received—Over-the-air data packets received by
this unit
• Packets sent—Over-the-air data packets sent by this
Remote.
• Bytes received—Over-the-air data bytes received by this
Remote.
• Bytes sent—Over-the-air data bytes sent by this Remote.
• Packets dropped—Received packets dropped as a result
of a lack of buffers.
• Receive errors—Packets that do not pass CRC. This may
be due to transmissions corrupted by RF interference.
• Retries—Number of requests to re-send a data packet
• Retry errors—Packets discarded after exceeding five
retries over-the-air.
• Clear Wireless stats—Resets the statistics counter.
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
49
Ethernet Packet
Statistics
• Packets received—Packets received by the transceiver
through the Ethernet port.
• Packets sent—Packets received by the transceiver through
the Ethernet port.
• Bytes received—Data bytes received by this Remote.
• Bytes sent—Data bytes sent by this Remote.
• Packets dropped—Received packets dropped as a result
of a lack of buffers.
• Receive errors—Packets discarded after exceeding five
retries the network.
• Lost carrier detected—A count of how many times
the carrier signal on the Ethernet port has been missing. This
count increase significantly when the Ethernet cable is plugged
in and unplugged.
• Clear Ethernet stats—Resets the statistics counter.
Wireless Network Status
(Remotes Only)
The Wireless Network Status screen provides information on a key
operating process of the transceiver—the association of the Remote with
the Access Point. The following is a description of how this process
takes place and as monitored on the Figure 2-28. Wireless Network
Status Screen" on page 51.
The Association
Process
After the Remote is powered up and finishes its boot cycle, it begins
scanning the 900 MHz band for beacon signals being sent out from AP
units. If the Remote sees a beacon with a Network Name that is the same
as its own, the Remote will stop its scanning and temporarily synchronize its frequency-hopping pattern to match the one encoded on the AP’s
beacon signal. The Remote waits for three identical beacon signals from
the AP and then it toggles into a fully synchronized “associated” state.
If the Remote does not receive three identical beacons from the Access
Point unit within a predetermined time period, the Remote returns to a
scanning mode and continues to search for an AP with a matching network name in its beacon.
Under normal circumstances, the association process should be completed within 20 seconds after boot-up.
Remote units are always monitoring the beacon signal. If an associated
Remote loses the AP’s beacon for more than 20 seconds, the association
process starts again.
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
The Wireless
Network
Status Screen
Library Admin Office
Wireless Network Status
-==========================================================================Connection Status
Associated
Current AP
00:06:3d:00:00:f2
Association Date
03 Aug 2002
Association Time
19:38
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-28. Wireless Network Status Screen
• Connection Status—Current state of the wireless network communication.
• Scanning—The unit is looking for an Access Point beacon
signal.
• Exp(ecting) Sync(hronization)—The unit has found a valid
beacon signal for its network.
• Hop Sync—The unit has changed its frequency hopping pattern to match that of the Access Point.
• Associated —This unit has successfully synchronized and
associated with an Access Point. This is the normal status.
• Alarmed—The unit is has detected one or more alarms that
have not been cleared.
• Current AP—Wireless address of Access Point with which
the Remote is associated.
• Association Date—Date of last successful association
with an Access Point.
• Association Time—Time of day association was established on the association date.
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
51
Remote Listing Menu
(Access Points Only)
Library Admin Office
Remote Listing Menu
-==========================================================================MAC Address
00:06:3d:00:00:36
IP Address
10.2.208.100
State
Assoc'ed
AgeTime
min
SuppRates
115.2kbps
Number of remotes: 1
Page 1 of 1
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-29. Remote Listing Menu
(List of MDS transceiver units associated with this AP)
•
•
•
•
MAC Address—Hardware address of Remote.
IP Address—IP Address of Remote.
State—Current association state of Remote.
AgeTime—Time, in minutes, remaining before the device
(address) will be deleted from the table.
Each transceiver maintains a table with the addresses of the devices
it communicates with. The age time countdown is restarted to 5 minutes every time a message to/from that device is detected. If no traffic with that device happens, it then “ages out” of the table. When
traffic is detected it is included again in the table. This optimizes
memory space utilization.
• SuppRates—Supported data rate by this unit.
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Endpoint Listing Menu
(Access Points Only)
This list shows all of the non-entraNET 900 Ethernet devices that are
known to the transceiver and is equivalent to the ARP table of IP
devices.
Library Admin Office
Endpoint Listing Menu
-==========================================================================MAC Address
IP Address
AgeTime
00:b0:24:b9:e9:94 10.3.145.49
min
00:b0:24:4d:db:15 10.3.128.124
min
00:c0:4f:41:e3:8b 10.3.145.84
< 1 min
00:50:08:14:35:ff 
min
00:b0:24:41:02:b0 10.3.128.25
min
00:20:bf:07:47:b2 10.3.145.123
min
00:50:08:17:4e:2c 10.3.144.27
min
00:40:8b:b4:b1:39 
min
00:c0:59:01:00:8c 
min
00:c0:59:01:23:00 
min
00:50:97:45:fc:14 10.3.145.88
min
00:50:97:e0:7f:71 10.3.144.47
min
00:c0:4f:41:df:70 10.3.128.245
< 1 min
00:10:4b:27:cb:d5 10.3.145.41
min
Number of endpoints: 285
Page 1 of 21
Press Enter to continue, Escape to quit
via Remote
RxPkts TxPkt
00:05:3d:00:00:35 22
00:05:3d:00:00:35 50
00:05:3d:00:00:35 9
00:05:3d:00:00:35 1
00:05:3d:00:00:35 19
00:05:3d:00:00:35 21
00:05:3d:00:00:35 18
00:05:3d:00:00:35 18
00:05:3d:00:00:35 197
00:05:3d:00:00:35 387
00:05:3d:00:00:35 18
00:05:3d:00:00:35 33
00:05:3d:00:00:35 1
00:05:3d:00:00:35 22
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-30. Endpoint Listing Menu
(Lists all equipment attached to REMOTE transceivers in the network)
• MAC Address—Hardware address of endpoint device.
• IP Address—IP Address of endpoint device.
• AgeTime—Time, in minutes, remaining before the device
(address) will be deleted from the table.
Each transceiver maintains a table with the addresses of the devices
it communicates with. The age time countdown is restarted to 5 minutes every time a message to/from that device is detected. If no traffic with that device happens, it then “ages out” of the table. When
traffic is detected it is included again in the table. This optimizes
memory space utilization.
• via Remote—Hardware address of the transceiver connected to
this device.
• RxPkts—Over-the-air data packets received by the transceiver.
and passed on to the endpoint device.
• TxPkt—Number of packets received from the endpoint device and
passed over-the-air.
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
53
Remote Performance Listing Menu
(Access Points Only)
Library Admin Office
Event Log Menu
Remote Performance Listing Menu
-==========================================================================MAC Address
00:06:3d:00:00:36
RxRate
RxPkts
115.2 kbps 509
TxPkts
RxBCMC
502
RxViaEP TxViaEP RetryEr
105027
41
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-31. Remote Performance Listing Menu
This screen provides a unit-by-unit summary of all Remote units currently associated with this Access Point. The parameters are displayed
in a column format with each line corresponding to one Remote.
• RxRate—Over-the-air data rate the transceiver is currently
using. All units do not need to use the same rate.
• RxPkts—Over-the-air data packets received from this unit.
• TxPkts—Over-the-air data packets sent to this unit.
• RxBCMC—Total number of Broadcast and/or Multicast packets
received over-the-air.
• RxViaEP—Packets received by the transceiver through the
Ethernet port.
• TxViaEP—Packets sent by the transceiver through the Ethernet port.
• RetryEr—Packets discarded after exceeding five retries
over-the-air.
2.7.2 Network Performance Notes
Principles of Network Operation
The following is a list of points that could be of value in dealing with the
networking aspects of the transceiver.
1. The transceiver serves as a network bridge
• The transceiver goes through a “listening and learning” period
at start-up before it will send any packets over either of its ports.
This lasts about 10 seconds after the CPU’s operating system
has finished its boot cycle.
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
• The bridge code in the transceiver operates and makes decisions
about packet forwarding just like any other bridge. The bridge
code builds a list of source MAC addresses that it has seen on
each of its ports. There are a few general rules that are followed
when a packet is received on any port:
• If the destination address is a multicast or broadcast address,
forward the packet to all other ports.
• If the destination address is not known, forward the packet to all
other ports.
• If the destination address is known, forward the packet to the
port that the destination is known to be on (usually the RF port).
• The bridge code uses Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to prevent
loops from being created when connecting bridges in parallel.
For example, connecting two remotes to the same wired LAN
could create a loop if STP was not used. Every bridge running
STP sends out Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDU's) at regular
intervals so that the spanning tree can be built and maintained.
BPDU's are 60-byte multicast Ethernet frames.
2. The wireless MAC has two settings that can be adjusted.
• Fragmentation threshold is the threshold in bytes, which
causes the MAC to fragment a packet.
• RTS threshold is the threshold in bytes that causes the MAC to
use RTS/CTS before sending the packet.
3. Throughput calculations must take into account all overhead.
The following is an example of the overhead at each layer for a
100-bytes of data over UDP:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Data: 100 bytes
UDP header: 8 bytes
IP header: 20 bytes
Ethernet header: 14 bytes
802.11 header 24 bytes
LLC and SNAP header: 8 bytes
FHSS header and FCS: 16 bytes
Total over-the-air frame size=190 bytes
If the frame is directed (for example: not multicast/broadcast), the
802.11 ACK frame must be accounted for:
• 14 bytes—802.11 ACK
• 30 bytes—Over-the-air ACK frame (added 16 the FHSS PHY)
If the 802.11 encapsulated Ethernet frame (NOT the UDP or Ethernet
frame) exceeds the RTS threshold, then the overhead for RTS/CTS
frames must also be accounted for.
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
55
• 20 bytes—802.11 RTS.
• 14 bytes—802.11 CTS.
• 66 bytes—Total Over-the-air bytes for RTS/CTS with PHY
headers.
If the frame is TCP, then there is a 32-byte TCP header instead of the
8-byte UDP header.
• ARP requests, ARP replies and BPDU’s will affect throughput.
• ARP requests are 60-byte Ethernet frames. 142 bytes
over-the-air.
• ARP replies are 60-byte Ethernet frames. 142 bytes
over-the-air.
• BPDUs are 60-byte Ethernet frames. 142 bytes over-the-air.
Note that the overhead to put a single Ethernet frame
over-the-air is 82 bytes. If RTS/CTS is invoked, it is 148 bytes.
Therefore, the overhead for a minimal Ethernet frame
(60 bytes) is 128% and, as such, gives the transceiver a poor
small-packet performance.
If any transceiver in your entraNET network is connected to a large
LAN, such as may be found in a large office complex, there may be
undesired multicast/broadcast traffic over the air.
4. Station-to-Station Traffic
• When sending frames from an endpoint connected to one transceiver to another endpoint with a different transceiver, the
throughput will be halved at best. This is because all frames
must go through the AP. Therefore, in the previous 100-byte
UDP example, the number of over-the-air bytes will be 380
bytes (190 bytes x 2) if the frame has to go station-to-station.
5. Interference has a direct correlation to throughput.
• Interference could be caused by any unnecessary traffic on the
network from unrelated activities, or Radio Frequency Interference in the wireless spectrum.
Tips for Optimizing Network Performance
Here are some suggestion on things to try that may maximize
throughput:
1. AP Only: Increment the Dwell Time to the maximum of 262.1 ms.
This lowers the overhead since it will stay longer on a channel. The
down side is that if a particular channel is interfered with it will take
longer to hop to another channel.
(Main Menu>Radio Configuration>Dwell Time)
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
2. AP Only: Change the Beacon Period to Normal (508 ms). This will
also reduce the overhead of beacons sent out. On the down side,
association time may be a little longer.
(Main Menu>Radio Configuration>Beacon Period)
3. Change the Fragmentation Threshold to the maximum of 1600. Longer
packets will be sent over the air reducing overhead. On the down
side, if a packet is corrupted it will take longer to be retransmitted.
(Main Menu>Radio Configuration>Fragmentation Threshold)
4. Increase the RTS Threshold to 1600. RTS mechanism is used to
reserve a time slot if packets exceed this number. On the down side,
a hidden-node might interfere more often than if RTS is not used.
(Main Menu>Radio Configuration>RTS Threshold)
5. Decreasing the RTS Threshold, to the 100 to 200 range, will improve
throughput on a busy network. It will add small packets, but reduce
collisions (and resulting re-tries) of large packets.
(Main Menu>Radio Configuration>RTS Threshold)
6. Use Performance Information Menu to check RSSI by zone.
(Remotes Only / Main Menu>Performance Information>RSSI by Zone)
Readings should be close in value (±2 dB). A lower value might
indicate interference. Block the zones at the Access Point that affect
the Remotes. (Main Menu>Radio Configuration>Skip Zone Option)
7. Use Performance Information Menu to check for errors, retries and
dropped packets. Do the same with Ethernet traffic.
With weak signals, interference, or hidden nodes, the optimal performance may be lower due to collisions and retries.
Data Latency—TCP versus UDP Mode
The latency of data passing through a network will depend on user data
message length, the overall level of traffic on the network, and the
quality of the radio path.
Under ideal conditions—low traffic and good RF signal path—the
latency for units operating in the TCP mode, will typically be around 5
ms in each direction. However, when UDP multicast traffic is transported, the outbound packet latency (from AP to remote) is dependent
on the beacon period.
UDP multicast packet latency can be minimized by setting the Beacon
Period to “Fast” (52 ms). Changing beacon rate to Fast will result in an
average latency of 29 ms, assuming outbound packets wait for a beacon
transmission 50% of the time (26ms) plus the normal packet latency
(5 ms).
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
57
2.8 MAINTENANCE
In the normal course of operating an transceiver network, you will want
to take advantage of product improvements, and to read and archive the
configuration of your individual transceivers. The Maintenance Menu
provides several tools to make this possible. This section provides detail
information on how to take advantage of these services.
The three maintenance tasks are:
• Reprogramming— Managing and selecting the unit’s operating
system firmware resources. (See “Reprogramming Menu” on
Page 58)
• Configuration Scripts—Saving and importing data files containing unit operating parameters/settings. (See “Configuration
Scripts Menu” on Page 63)
• Authorization Key —Alter the unit’s overall capabilities by
enabling the built-in resources. (See “Authorization Keys Menu”
on Page 71)
• Radio Test—A diagnostic tool for testing RF operation.
(See “Radio Test Menu” on Page 71)
• Ping Utility—Diagnostic tool to test network connectivity.
(See “Ping Utility Menu” on Page 73)
Figure 2-32. Maintenance Menu
Library Admin Office
Maintenance / Tools Menu
-==========================================================================A) Reprogramming
B) Configuration Scripts
C) Authorization Key
D) Radio Test
E) Ping Utility
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
2.8.1 Reprogramming Menu
The transceiver has two copies of the firmware (microprocessor code)
used for the operating system and applications. One copy is “active” and
the second one is standing by, ready to be used. You can upload a new
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
release into the inactive position and place it in service whenever you
desire.
Library Admin Office
Reprogramming Menu
-==========================================================================A) TFTP Host Address
10.4.2.1
B) Filename
entranet-bkrf-3_1_0.ipk
C) TFTP Timeout
120 sec
D) Retrieve File
E) Image Verify
F) Image Copy
G) Reboot Device
Current Firmware
Image 1: 1.1.0
Image 2: 1.1.0
(active)
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-33. Reprogramming Menu
(Shown with “Image Copy” Selected)
• TFTP Host Address—IP address of the host computer
from which to get the file. [Any valid IP address]
• Filename—Name of file to be received by the TFTP server.
[Any 40-character alphanumeric string] Verify that this corresponds to the TFTP directory location. May require sub-directory, for example: br\inet-bkrf-3_1_0.ipk.
• TFTP Timeout—Time in seconds the TFTP server will wait
for a packet ACK (acknowledgment) from the transceiver
before suspending the file transfer. [10 to 120 seconds; 10]
• Retrieve File—Initiate the file transfer from the file from
TFTP server. Placed into inactive firmware position in the transceiver’s non-volatile memory [Y, N]
• Image Verify—Initiate the verification of the integrity of
firmware file held in unit.
• Image Copy—Initiate the copying of the active firmware into
the inactive image.
• Reboot Device—Initiate rebooting the transceiver. This
will interrupt data traffic through this unit, and the network if
performed on an Access Point. Intended to be used to toggle
between firmware images.
NOTE: See “Upgrading the Firmware” on Page 59 for details
on setting up the TFTP server.
Upgrading the Firmware
From time-to-time MDS will offer upgrades to the transceiver firmware.
One version of the firmware provides core software resources for all
radio models. Uploading new firmware into the unit will not alter any
privileges provided by Authorization Keys and does not require the
transceiver to be taken off-line until you want to operate the unit from
the new firmware image in the unit.
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
59
You must use the embedded entraNET Management System for all
firmware activities, including uploading from a TFTP server.
The uploads can be initiated through any of the three entraNET Management System gateways:
• Terminal-Emulator—Use a terminal emulator program on
your PC, such as HyperTerminal, connected directly to the
transceiver’s COM1 port via a serial cable.
• Telnet—Text-based access to the Management System through
a network connection.
• Web Browser—Connect to the transceiver using a Web
browser on a local PC connected directly to the transceiver’s
LAN port or associated network.
Firmware images are provided free-of-charge on the MDS Web site at:
www.microwavedata.com/service/technical/support
Installing
Transceiver
Firmware by TFTP
To install firmware by TFTP, the user will need:
• A PC with a TFTP server running.
• The IP address of the PC running the TFTP server.
If you do not know your computer’s address on a Windows PC, you can
use the RUN function from the Start menu and enter winipcfg or ipconfig to
determine your local PC’s IP address. The IP address of the radio can be
found under the entraNET Management Systems’ Configuration menu.
(See “Network Configuration Menu” on Page 27.)
A TFTP server can be found on the MDS Web site at:
www.microwavedata.com/service/technical/support/downloads.asp
There are several alternatives to connecting the transceiver to the server
containing the firmware and TFTP server, and a computer control point.
Figure 2-34 and Figure 2-35 show two variations. It is essential all of the
equipment be on the same subnet.
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Invisible place holder
LOCAL WINDOWS PC
WITH iNET FILES
MDS iNET 900
TP R
TFRVE ET
S TELN
CROSS-OV
ER
CA
BLE
LA
CO
M1
CO
M2
PW
LINK
LAN
PORT
IP ADDRESS: 172.0.0.B
IP ADDRESS: 172.0.0.A
INITIATE UPLOAD
FROM HERE
Figure 2-34. Upload Configuration—Option 1
(TFTP Server and Firmware File on Same CPU)
Invisible place holder
REMOTE PC
W/FIRMWARE FILES
TFTP
SERVER
ETHERNET
PORT
HUB/LAN/WAN/MAN
TCP/IP
MDS iNET 900
IP ADDRESS: 172.0.0.B
LAN
PORT
IP ADDRESS: w.x.y.z
LA
CO
M1
CO
M2
PW
LOCAL WINDOWS PC
AL
IN M
R RA
TE OG
PR
LINK
COM1, 2, ETC.
(DTE)
BL
CA
9-PIN SERIAL
IP ADDRESS: 172.0.0.A
COM1
PORT
(DCE)
INITIATE UPLOAD
FROM HERE
Figure 2-35. Upload Configuration—Option 2
(TFTP Server and Firmware File on Remote Server)
NOTE: The LAN and COM1 ports share a common data channel when
loading firmware over-the-air. Transferring the radio firmware
image file (≈ 3 Mb), may take several minutes depending on
traffic between the TFTP server and the transceiver.
Regardless of your connection to the transceiver, loading firmware/configuration files into the unit’s flash-RAM is much
slower than loading software onto a PC hard drive or RAM.
Upload Procedure
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
To upload a new firmware file (filename.ipk) into the transceiver use the
following procedure:
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
61
1. Launch a TFTP server on a PC connected either directly or via a
LAN to the Ethernet port (LAN) of the transceiver. Point the server
towards the directory containing the firmware image file.
2. Connect to the entraNET Management System by whichever means
is convenient: Browser or Telnet via the LAN, or Terminal emulator
via the COM1 port.
3. Go to the entraNET MS Reprogramming Menu.
(Main Menu>Maintenance Menu>Reprogramming Menu)
4. Fill in the information for the:
• TFTP Host Address—IP Address of server (host computer) running TFTP server.
• Retrieve File—Name of file (filename.ipk) to be pulled
from the TFTP server holding the firmware file.
5. Pull the firmware file through the TFTP server into the entraNET
unit.
(Main Menu>Maintenance Menu>Reprogramming Menu>Retrieve File)
Status messages on the transfer are posted on the entraNET Management System screen.
NOTE: The uploaded firmware image file replaces the
“Inactive Image” file will be automatically verified.
6. Reboot the transceiver.
Main Menu>Maintenance Menu>Reprogramming Menu>Reboot Device
7. Test the transceiver for normal operation.
End of Procedure
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2.8.2 Configuration Scripts Menu
Library Admin Office
Configuration Scripts Menu
-==========================================================================A) TFTP Host Address
127.0.0.0
B) Filename
C) TFTP Timeout
20 sec
D) Retrieve File
E) Send File
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-36. Configuration Files Menu
• TFTP Host Address—IP address of the computer on which
the TFTP server resides. [Any valid IP address]
• Filename—Name of file containing this unit’s configuration
profile that will be transferred to the TFTP server. The configuration information will be in a plain-text ASCII format.
[Any 40-character alphanumeric string] May require sub-directory, for example: config\inet-config.txt. (See “Using Configuration Scripts” on Page 64)
NOTE: The filename field is used in identifying the desired
incoming file and as the name of file being exported to the TFTP
server. Before exporting the unit’s configuration, you may want
to name it something that reflect the unit’s services or identification.
• TFTP Timeout—Time in seconds the TFTP server will wait
for a packet ACK (acknowledgment) from the transceiver
before suspending the file transfer. [10 to 120 seconds; 10]
• Retrieve File—Initiate the file transfer of the configuration file from TFTP server into the transceiver.
• Send File—Initiate the file transfer from the transceiver’s
current configuration file to TFTP server.
NOTE: See “Upgrading the Firmware” on Page 59 for details
on setting up the TFTP server.
A brief description of configuration files
If you plan to have more than a few transceivers in your network, use the
configuration file feature to configure similar units from a common set
of parameters. There are over 50 user-controllable settings that can be
used to optimize the network and saved into a Configuration File. However, only four essential parameters need to be reviewed and altered to
use the file with another transceiver.
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63
A Configuration File (data file) will make it easy to apply your unique
settings to any transceiver(s) you wish. Configuration files will also provide you with a tool to restore parameters to a “known good” set, in the
event that a parameter is improperly set and performance is affected.
(See “Using Configuration Scripts” on Page 64 for detailed instructions
and a sample configuration file.)
Using Configuration Scripts
Configuration Scripts can be created and downloaded from the transceiver that contain a wealth of information on the unit. This file can
serve many purposes, not the least of which is to keep a permanent
“snapshot” of the unit’s configuration at a point in time. These files can
also be used to view the setup of a unit without needing to connect to it.
Examining archival files can be a useful source of information during
troubleshooting.
In the next few sections you will learn about the contents of the file and,
how to use it as a template for configuring multiple transceivers with the
same profile. Ultimately, standardized files can be uploaded into the
transceiver to speed up the installation process.
Configuration Files can also be uploaded into a transceiver to restore the
settings of a unit using a previously saved configuration of the unit. This
is particularly convenient after finishing a test using some experimental
settings.
Sample of an Exported Configuration File
The following is a sample of a typical configuration file as produced by
a transceiver that contains over 150 parameters; many of which are user
editable. The presentation has been slightly altered to allow notes to
appear below associated parameter lines. Some of the values used in the
calibration of the unit’s built-in test equipment have been deleted to
reduce space. This presentation is offered as a guide to the type of information contained in the file. See “Editing Configuration Files” on
Page 70 for further information.
NOTE: The parameter names and the data values from the Exported
Configuration File are shown in bolded text. Any description
will be found below in an indented paragraph. Descriptions for
parameters that are functionally identical to both COM1 &
COM2 are not repeated.
Beginning of Configuration File
; MDS entraNET
; Created 00-03-2002 6:59:41
IP Address: 192.168.1.1
The IPv4 address of this unit. This field is unnecessary if DHCP is
enabled.
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NOTE: Changing the IP value via the network will cause a loss of
communication with other devices unaware of the new
address.
IP Netmask: 255.255.255.0
The IPv4 local subnet mask. This field is unnecessary if DHCP is
enabled.
IP Gateway: 0.0.0.0
The IPv4 address of the network gateway device, typically a router.
This field is unnecessary if DHCP is enabled.
Ethernet Address: 00:06:3D:00:00:5D
The physical Ethernet MAC (Media Access Controller) address of
the device. This value is set by the factory and cannot be changed.
Wireless Address: 00:06:3D:00:00:5C
The physical wireless MAC (Media Access Controller) address of
the device. This value is set by the factory and cannot be changed.
Model Number: 900
The model number of this unit. This value is set by the factory and
cannot be changed.
Serial Number: 1026295
The serial number of this unit. This value is set by the factory and
cannot be changed.
Unit Name: Library Admin Office
A name for this unit. It appears at the top of every menu screen.
Owner: Hilltop College MIS
The name of the owner of this unit.
Contact: MIS Dept. X232
The contact person regarding this unit.
Description: Link to Campus Server
A brief general description of this unit.
Location: Hollister Bldg. RM450
The location of this unit.
Com1 Port Config: 8N1
Configuration of character size, type of parity, and number of stop
bits to be used.
Com2 Port Config: 8N1
Configuration of character size, type of parity, and number of stop
bits to be used
Max Remotes Allowed: 50
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
65
The maximum number of remotes allowed to connect to this Access
Point.
Device Mode: Access Point
Configures the unit to act as a Remote or an Access Point. The
Access Point option is not allowed unless the unit is specifically
ordered as such, or an Authorization Key has been purchased to
allow it.
Dwell Time: 32.8
The amount of time the unit spends at any given frequency in its
hopping pattern. This field is only changeable by an Access Point.
Remotes read the Masters value upon association.
Hop Pattern: 1
RSSH Calibration: 235
RSSL Calibration: 190
Freq Calibration: 8402
Network Name: West Campus Net
The name of the network this unit belongs to. The unit will only
communicate with devices having identical Network Names.
Date Format: Generic
Specifies the format of the date.
• Generic = dd Mmm yyyy
• European = dd-mm-yyyy
• US = mm-dd-yyyy
Console Baud: 19200
The baud rate of the serial menu console. Default value is
19200 bps.
Company Name: MDS
Version Name: 06-1234567
Product Name: entraNET
Beacon Period: Normal
The amount of time in milliseconds between beacon transmissions
by the AP.
Data Rate: 115.2 kbps
The selected over-the-air data rate. A lower data rate generally
allows more distance between the unit and its Access Point.
RF Output Power Setpoint: 30
The desired amount of RF output power, measured in dBm.
Power Cal Table DAC1: 98
21 additional values follow; do not alter
Active Boot Image: 0
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
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Tx Coefficient1: 0
31 additional values follow; do not alter
Rx Coefficient1: 0
14 additional values follow; do not alter
Skipped Hop Zone1: Active
Skipped Hop Zone2: Skip
Skipped Hop Zone3: Active
Skipped Hop Zone4: Active
Skipped Hop Zone5: Active
Skipped Hop Zone6: Active
Skipped Hop Zone7: Active
Skipped Hop Zone8: Active
Skipped Hop Zone9: Active
Skipped Hop Zone10: Active
Firmware TFTP Host IP: 63.249.227.105
Address of the TFTP Host from which firmware images are downloaded
Firmware TFTP Filename: entraNET-krf-3_0_0.ipk
Eventlog TFTP Host IP: 192.168.1.3
Address of TFTP Host to which to send the event log
Eventlog TFTP Filename:
Config Script TFTP Host IP: 192.168.1.33
Address of TFTP Host to which to send the event log
Config Script TFTP Filename: entraNET_config.txt
Fragmentation Threshold: 1600
Maximum packet size allowed before fragmentation occurs
RTS Threshold: 500
Number of bytes for the RTS/CTS handshake boundary
RSSI Threshold: 0
RSSI value at that the connection is deemed “degraded”
SNR Threshold: 0
SNR value at that the connection is deemed “degraded”
SNMP Read Community: public
Community string for read access using SNMPv1
SNMP Write Community: private
Community string for write access using SNMPv1
SNMP Trap Community: public
Community string sent with traps using SNMPv1
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
67
SNMP Trap Manager #1: 0.0.0.0
IP Address of a SNMP manager to which traps will be sent
SNMP Trap Manager #2: 0.0.0.0
SNMP Trap Manager #3: 0.0.0.0
SNMP Trap Manager #4: 0.0.0.0
SNMP Trap Manager #5: 0.0.0.0
Auth trap enable: disabled
Setting to enable SNMP authentication traps
Trap Version: v1 Traps
Selects which SNMP trap format
Package 1 Version: 1.1.0
Indicates the version of firmware in Image 1
Package 2 Version: 1.1.0
TFTP Timeout: 20
Com1 Serial Data Enable: disabled
Setting to enable COM1 data mode
Com1 Serial Data Mode: UDP
IP Protocol for COM1 data mode
Com1 Serial Data Baud Rate: 9600
Baud rate for COM1 data mode
Com1 Serial Data Tx IP Address: 0.0.0.0
COM1 data will be sent to this IP address
Com1 Serial Data Tx IP Port: 0
COM1 data will be sent to this IP port
Com1 Serial Data Rx IP Port: 0
COM1 data will be received on this IP port
Com2 Serial Data Enable: enabled
Com2 Serial Data Mode: UDP
Com2 Serial Data Baud Rate: 9600
Com2 Serial Data Tx IP Address: 169.254.10.2
Com2 Serial Data Tx IP Port: 0
Com2 Serial Data Rx IP Port: 0
Com1 Serial Data Rx IP Address: 0.0.0.0
COM1 data will be received on this IP address
Com2 Serial Data Rx IP Address: 169.254.0.2
Com2 Serial Data Flow Control: disabled
Setting to enable hardware flow control (RTS/CTS) in COM2 data
mode
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SNTP Server IP: 0.0.0.0
The IPv4 address of NTP/SNTP Time Server
Com1 Serial Data Seamless Mode: enabled
Setting to enable seamless mode for COM1 data mode
Com2 Serial Data Seamless Mode: enabled
Com1 Serial Data Delimiter Chars: 4
Minimum number of characters which will be considered a gap in
seamless mode for COM1
Com2 Serial Data Delimiter Chars: 4
Com1 Serial Data Buffer Size: 20
Number of output characters which will be buffered in seamless
mode for COM1
Com2 Serial Data Buffer Size: 20
RF Frequency Hopping Format: USA/CANADA
(Read Only) The frequency-hopping rules the radio is configured to
operate under
SNMP Enable: disabled
Enable/Disable SNMP Agent
Hop Protocol: 1
Frequency hopping protocol version
DHCP Server Enable: disabled
Enable/Disable DHCP Server Daemon
DHCP Netmask: 255.255.255.0
The IP Address to be used as the DHCP Netmask
DHCP Start Address: 192.168.0.11
The IP Address to be used as the starting address
DHCP End Address: 192.168.0.22
The IP Address to be used as the ending address
Approved Remotes List Enable: disabled
Setting to enable the Approved Remotes List
Encryption Enable: disabled
Setting to enable over-the-air data encryption
HTTP Enable: enabled
Setting to enable the HTTP interface
Telnet Enable: enabled
Setting to enable the Telnet interface
HTTP MD5 Authentication: disabled
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69
Setting to enable MD5 Digest Authentication
Automatic Key Rotation: disabled
Setting to enable Automatic Key Rotation
Approved APs List Enable: disabled
Setting to enable the Approved Access Points List
Watch-Link-Status Flag @ AP: disabled
A flag that controls whether the Remotes care about the AP's Ethernet Link Status
Network Name Hash Enable: disabled
A flag that controls whether MD5 hashing is applied to the network
name
End of Configuration File
Editing Configuration Files
Once a Remote unit’s operation is fine-tuned, use the Configuration
Scripts Menu on Page 63 to save a copy of the configuration in a PC.
Once the file is saved in the PC it can be used as a source to generate
modified copies adjusted to match other devices. The configuration files
can be modified using a text editor or an automated process. (Not provide by MDS).
We recommend that you review and update the following parameters for
each individual unit. Other parameters may also be changed.
Table 2-6. Common User-Alterable Parameters
Field
Comment
Range
IP Address
Unique for each individual radio
Any legal IP address
IP Gateway
May change for different groups or
locations
Any legal IP address
Unit Name
Should reflect a specific device.
Any 20-character
alphanumeric string
This information will appear in
entraNET Management System
headings
Location
Used only as reference for network
administration
Any 40-character
alphanumeric string
System Mode
The application of the parameter in
this field is dependent on the
authorized options stored in the
unit’s permanent memory.
“Access Point”
The mode must be compatible with
any previously installed
Authorization Keys.
“Ethernet Remote”
Used to identify different groups or
locations
Any 15-character
alphanumeric string
Network Name
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
“Dual Remote”
“Serial Remote”
NOTE: These are
case-sensitive.
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Each resulting file should be saved with a different name. We recommend using directories and file names that reflect the location of the unit
to facilitate its identification.
Editing Rules
• You may include only parameters you want to change.
• Change only the parameter values.
• Capitalization counts in some field parameters.
(Example: System Mode)
• Comment Fields
a. Edit, or delete anything on each line to the right of the
comment delineator, the semicolon (;).
b. Comments can be of any length, but must be on the same
line as the parameter, or on a new line that begins with a
semicolon character.
c. Comments after parameters included in files exported
from a transceiver do not need to be present in your customized files.
2.8.3 Authorization Keys Menu
Library Admin Office
Authorization Key Menu
-==========================================================================A) Authorization Key
Authorized Features
Access Point
enabled
Dual Remote
enabled
Remote Serial Gateway
enabled
Remote Ethernet Bridge
enabled
MDS NETview MS
enabled
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-37. Authorization Key Menu
• Authorization Key—Initiate the entering of an Authorization Key into the transceiver’s non-volatile memory.
• Authorized Features—List of authorized features.
In addition to the four transceiver configurations fields, is the
MDS NETview MS access control. NETview MS is designed to
help users monitor system performance, configure network elements, detect faults and correct problems in the convenience of
an office setting or at any other point in the network.
2.8.4 Radio Test Menu
This area provides several useful tools for installers and maintainers.
You can manually key the transceiver to make measurements of antenna
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
71
performance. (See “Antenna Direction Optimization” on Page 97 for
details.
Library Admin Office
Radio Test Menu
-==========================================================================A) Test Mode
ON
B) Frequency
915.000000 MHz
C) TX Output Power
25 dBm
D) TxKey
disabled
RSSI
-67 dBm
Time Remaining
09:50
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-38. Radio Test Menu
Shown with Test Mode Enabled
NOTE : Use of the test mode will disrupt traffic through this unit. If the
unit is the Access Point, it will disrupt traffic through the entire
network.
Test Mode function is automatically limited to 10 minutes and
should only be used to measure transmit power. It may also be
manually reset to continue with the testing or turned off.
• Test Mode—Controls access to the transceiver’s suite of
tools. [(ON, OFF; OFF]
• Frequency—Set radio operating frequency during the
testing period to a single frequency. [915.0000 MHz]
• TX Output Power—Temporarily overrides the power
level setting in the Radio Configuration Menu. [20]
• TxKey—Manually key the radio transmitter for power measurements. [Enable, Disable; Disable]
• RSSI—Incoming received signal strength on frequency
entered in the frequency parameter on this screen (–dBm).
This RSSI measurement is updated more frequently than the
RSSI by Zone display of the Performance Information menu.
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2.8.5 Ping Utility Menu
Library Admin Office
Ping Utility Menu
-==========================================================================A) IP Addr
192.168.1.1
B) Count
C) Packet Size
32
D) Go
Select a letter to configure an item,  for the prev menu
Figure 2-39. Ping Utility Menu
•
•
•
•
IP Addr—Address to send a PING. [Any valid IP address]
Count—Number of PING packets to be sent.
Packet Size—Size of each PING data packet (bytes).
Go—Send PING packets to address shown on screen.
Screen will be replaced with detailed report of PING activity.
Press any key after viewing the results to return to this menu.
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3
TABLETOP EVALUATION
AND TEST SETUP
3 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph
Contents
3.1 OVERVIEW................................................................................ 83
3.2 STEP 1—INSTALL THE ANTENNA CABLING.......................... 83
3.3 STEP 2—MEASURE & CONNECT THE PRIMARY POWER ... 84
3.4 STEP 3—CONNECT PC TO THE TRANSCEIVER ................... 84
3.5 STEP 4—REVIEW THE TRANSCEIVER’S CONFIGURATION 85
3.5.1 Getting Started ............................................................................85
3.5.2 Procedure ....................................................................................85
3.5.3 Basic Configuration Defaults .......................................................85
3.6 STEP 5—CONNECT LAN AND/OR SERIAL EQUIPMENT...... 86
3.7 STEP 6—CHECK FOR NORMAL OPERATION ....................... 87
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3.1 OVERVIEW
It is convenient to set up a tabletop network that can be used to verify
the basic operation of the transceivers and give you a chance to experiment with network designs, configurations or network equipment in a
convenient location. This test can be performed with any number of
radios.
NOTE: It is important to use a “Network Name” that is different from
any currently in use in your area during the testing period. This
will eliminate unnecessary disruption of traffic on the existing
network while you become familiar with the transceiver or
evaluate variations of unit operating parameters.
To simulate data traffic over the radio network, connect a PC or LAN to
the Ethernet port of the Access Point and PING each transceiver several
times.
3.2 STEP 1—INSTALL THE ANTENNA
CABLING
Figure 3-1 is a drawing of the tabletop arrangement. Connect the
antenna ports of each transceiver as shown. This will provide stable
radio communications between each unit while preventing interference
to nearby electronic equipment from a large number of co-located units.
Invisible place holder
Remote
RXD
TXD
SYN
POWER ATTENUATORS
• Fixed or adjustable
• 1W Minimum Rating
PWR
Remote
Remote
PWR
SYN
TXD
RXD
Access Point
PWR
SYN
TXD
RXD
COMPUTER
POWER DIVIDER
NON-RADIATING ATTENUATORS
• Install on unused divider ports (if any)
• 1W Minimum Rating
Figure 3-1. Typical setup for tabletop-testing of radios
NOTE: It is very important to use attenuation between all units in the
test setup. The amount of attenuation required will depend on
the number of units being tested and the desired signal strength
(RSSI) at each transceiver during the test. In no case should a
signal greater than –50 dBm be applied to any transceiver in
the test setup. An RF power output level of +20 dBm is recommended. (See “Radio Configuration Menu” on Page 29.)
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3.3 STEP 2—MEASURE & CONNECT
THE PRIMARY POWER
The primary power at the transceiver’s power connector must be within
10.5–30 Vdc and be capable of continuously providing a minimum of 8
Watts. (Typical power consumptions are: 760 mA @ 10.5 Vdc, 580 mA
@ 13.8 Vdc, and 267 mA @ 30 Vdc.) A power connector with
screw-terminals is provided with each unit. Strip the wire leads to 6 mm
(0.25"). Be sure to observe proper polarity as shown in Figure 3-2 with
the positive lead (+) on the left.
NOTE: It will take about 30 seconds for the transceiver to power up
and be ready for operation.
Invisible place holder
Lead
Binding
Screws (2)
Wire Ports
Figure 3-2. Power Connector, Polarity: Left +, Right –
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
EQUIPMENT
The transceiver must be used only with negative-ground systems. Make sure the polarity of the
power source is correct. The unit is protected from
reverse polarity by an internal diode and fuse.
3.4 STEP 3—CONNECT PC TO THE
MDS TRANSCEIVER
Connect a PC’s Ethernet port to the LAN port using an Ethernet crossover cable. The LAN LED should light. Alternately, you can use a serial
cable to connect to the COM1 port. (Figure 3-3 on Page 81)
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MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
3.5 STEP 4—REVIEW THE
TRANSCEIVER’S
CONFIGURATION
3.5.1 Getting Started
Start with the Access Point and log-in. It should be the first unit to be set
up as the Remotes are dependent on its beacon signal to achieve the
“associated” state.
Login credentials (all lower case):
Username: root
Password: zonukh4x
Once the Access Point is up and running, move the computer connection
to each of the Remote units, log-in at each unit, review their configuration, set their IP addresses and wait for each to achieve the associated
state.
With all units associated, you will be ready to connect and test your data
services.
3.5.2 Procedure
The following is a summary of the configuration procedure that must be
done on each unit in the system. Key parameters are highlighted on the
embedded Management System flowchart on Figure 3-4 on Page 83,
Management System Menu Flowchart (abbreviated). A lists of parameters can found in two tables: Table 4-5 on Page 92 and Table 4-7 on
Page 95. Detailed information on using the Management System can be
found in INTRODUCTION on Page 15 in this manual.
NOTE: The Management System supports the use of “configuration
files” to aid in uniformly configuring multiple transceivers.
These are detailed in Using Configuration Scripts on Page 64.
3.5.3 Basic Configuration Defaults
Table 3-1 provides a selection of key transceiver operating parameters,
their range, and default values. All of these are accessible through a terminal emulator connected to the COM1 serial port or through a Web
browser connected to the LAN Port. (See Figure 5-1 on Page 103 for
hookup.)
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NOTE: Access to the entraNET’s Management System and changes to
some parameters, are controlled by password when accessing
by means of a Web browser or Telnet.
Table 3-1. Basic Configuration Defaults (AP)
Item
Mgt. System Location
Default
Values/Range
Network Name
Main Menu>
Network
Configuration>
Network Name
“Not Programmed”
• 1–15 alphanumeric
characters
Main Menu>
Network
Configuration>
IP Address
192.168.1.1
Contact your network
administrator
RF Output
Power
Main Menu>
Radio Configuration>
RF Power Output
+30 dBm (1.0 Watt)
20–30 dBm @ 50Ω
(0.1–1.0 Watts)
Unit Password
Main Menu>
Device Information>
User Password
admin
(lower case)
• 1–8 alphanumeric
characters
IP Address
• Case-sensitive;
can be mixed case
Subnet Mask
Net Address
• Case-sensitive;
can be mixed case
A unique IP address and subnet are required to access the browser-based
entraNET Management System through the LAN port.
Table 3-2. Basic Configuration Defaults (Remote)
Item
Mgt. System Location
Default
Values/Range
Main Menu>
Network
Configuration>
Network Name
“Not Programmed”
• 1–15 alphanumeric
characters
Main Menu>
Network
Configuration>
IP Address
192.168.1.1
Payload
Radio
Remote IP
Address
Unit ID
Mode
Local IP Port
Remote IP Port
Network Name
IP Address
80
• Case-sensitive;
can be mixed case
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
Contact your network
administrator
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Table 3-2. Basic Configuration Defaults (Remote) (Continued)
Item
Mgt. System Location
Default
Values/Range
RF Output
Power
Main Menu>
Radio Configuration>
RF Power Output
+30 dBm (1.0 Watt)
20–30 dBm @ 50Ω
(0.1–1.0 Watts)
Unit Password
Main Menu>
Device Information>
User Password
admin
(lower case)
• 1–8 alphanumeric
characters
Subnet Mask
Net Address
• Case-sensitive;
can be mixed case
3.6 STEP 5—CONNECT LAN AND/OR
SERIAL EQUIPMENT
Connect a local area network to the LAN port or serial devices to the
COM1 (DCE) or COM2 (DTE) ports. Make sure your transceivers are
capable of supporting your devices. (See Table 1-1 . MDS entraNET 900
Models and Data Interface Services, on page 5 for a summary of model
capabilities.) The LAN port will support any Ethernet-compatible equipment. This includes devices that use the Internet Protocol (IP).
NOTE: The COM1 port also provides access to the transceiver’s
Management System. If you use the COM1 port for normal data
services, you may find it convenient to use the LAN port for
access to the entraNET Management System.
Figure 3-3 shows the default functions and services for the interface
connectors.
Invisible place holder
LAN
◆ 10BaseT
◆ IP/Ethernet Port
◆ IP Address: 192.168.1.1
COM1
◆ DCE Console/Terminal
◆ 19,200 bps/8N1
◆ No Handshaking
◆ RS/EIA-232
ANTENNA
◆ 50Ω TNC
◆ +30 dBm/1W Out (Max.)
◆ –30 dBm Input (Max.)
COM2
◆ DCE Serial Data Equip.
PRIMARY POWER
◆ 9,600 bps/8N1
◆ 13.8 Vdc @ 500 ma
◆ Full Handshaking
(10.5–30 Vdc)
◆ RS/EIA-232.
◆ Negative Ground
◆ + Left – Right
Figure 3-3. Transceiver (AP) Interface Default Configuration &
Functions
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3.7 STEP 6—CHECK FOR NORMAL
OPERATION
Once the data equipment is connected, you are ready to check the transceiver for normal operation.
Observe the transceiver LEDs on the top cover for the proper indications. In a normally operating system, the following LED indications
will be seen within 30 seconds of start-up:
• PWR—Lit continuously
• LINK—on or blinking intermittently
• LAN—On or blinks intermittently
Table 3-3 provides details on the LED functions.
Table 3-3. Transceiver LED Functions
LED Label
Activity
Indication
LAN
ON
LAN detected
Blinking
Data TX/RX
OFF
LAN not detected
COM1
(MGT System)
Blinking
Data TX/RX
OFF
No data activity
COM2
Blinking
Data TX/RX
OFF
No data activity
ON
Primary power (DC) present
PWR
Blinking
Unit in “Alarmed” state
OFF
Primary power (DC) absent
LINK
ON
Default state
(Access Point)
Blinking
Data Tx/Rx
LINK
ON
Associated to AP
(Remote
Gateway)
Blinking
Data Tx/Rx
OFF
Not associated with AP
If the radio network seems to be operating properly based on observation of the unit’s LEDs, you can use the PING command to verify the
link integrity with the Access Point or pointing your browser to another
Remote unit’s IP address in the same network.
Invisible place holder
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Figure 3-4. entraNET Management System Menu Flowchart
(Security, Performance & Maintenance Menus are abbreviated.
See Figure 2-2 on Page 17 for details for these areas.)
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83
Skip Zone Options
RF Hopping
Format
Serial Data
Statistics
Status
Mode
Data Baud Rate
Flow Control
Send to Address
Sent to Port
Receive on Port
Receive on
Address
Seamless Mode
Delimiter
Buffer Size
COM1 & COM2
Serial Data Port
User Password
Serial Config.
Wizard
Telnet Access
User Password
SNMP Access
Force Key
Auto Key
Rotation (AP)
HTTP Security Mode
HTTP Access
Encryption Phrase
Encryption
Approved Access
Points (RMT)
Actual Data Rate
RSSI
Signal-to-Noise
RF Power Output
Remote Perf.
Listing (AP)
Endpoint Listing (AP)
Remote Listing (AP)
Wireless Network
Status (RMT)
Packet Statistics
Event Log
Provisioning
Approved Remotes
List (AP)
Performance
Information
Security
Configuration
• Basic configuration parameters are shown in boxes
• Use keyboard’s spacebar to make some menu selections
• AP = Access Point Only
• RMT = Remote Only
Model Number
Serial Number
Hardware Version
Firmware Version
Uptime
Date Format
Time
Date
Device Name
Owner
Contact
Description
Location
Device Names
Console Baud Rate
Device
Information
Serial Gateway
Configuration
NOTES
• Not all items are user configurable
• Some menu items depend on Device Mode
• Dotted lines indicate read-only items
Ethernet Link
Watch (AP)
Wireless Address
Ethernet Address
SNR Threshold
Max. Allowed
Remotes (AP)
(RMT)
RSSI Threshold
RTS Threshold
Fragmentation
Threshold
Hop Pattern
Seed (AP)
Beacon Period
Dwell Time
SNMP Config.
Menu
DHCP Server Config.
DHCP Client
SNTP Server (IP)
IP Gateway
IP Netmask
IP Address
Data Rate
RF Output
Power
Device Mode
Network Name
Radio
Configuration
Network
Configuration
MAIN MENU
STARTING INFORMATION SCREEN
Ping Utility
Test Mode
Frequency
TX Output Power
TxKey
RSSI
Radio Test
Diagnostic Tools
Authorization Key
Configuration
Scripts
Reprogramming
Maintenance
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4
TROUBLESHOOTING &
RADIO MEASUREMENTS
4 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph
Contents
4.1 TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................... 93
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.1.5
4.1.6
Interpreting the Front Panel LEDs ...............................................93
Troubleshooting Using the Embedded Management System .....94
Using Logged Operation Events .................................................98
Alarm Conditions .........................................................................98
Correcting Alarm Conditions .......................................................99
Logged Non-Critical Events ......................................................100
4.2 RADIO MEASUREMENTS ...................................................... 102
4.2.1 Antenna System SWR and Transmitter Power Output ..............102
4.2.2 Antenna Direction Optimization .................................................103
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86
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4.1 TROUBLESHOOTING
Successful troubleshooting of a wireless system is not difficult, but
requires a logical approach. It is best to begin troubleshooting at the
Access Point unit, as the rest of the system depends on the Access Point
for synchronization data. If the Access Point has problems, the operation
of the entire wireless network will be affected.
When communication problems are found, it is good practice to begin
by checking the simple things. Applying basic troubleshooting techniques in a logical progression can identify many problems.
Multiple
Communication
Layers
It is important to remember the operation of the network is built upon a
radio communications link. On top of that are two data levels— wireless
MAC, and the data layer. It is essential that the wireless aspect of the
Access Point and the Remotes units to be associated are operating properly before data-layer traffic will function.
Unit Configuration
There are over 50 user-configurable parameters in the entraNET Management System. Do not overlook the possibility that human-error may
be the cause of the problem. With so many possible things to look at and
change, a parameter may be incorrectly set, and then what was changed
is forgotten.
To help you avoid these problems, we recommend creating an archive
of the transceiver’s profile when your installation is complete in a Configuration File. This file can be reloaded into the transceiver to restore
the unit to the factory defaults or your unique profile. For details on creating and archiving Configuration Files,
See “Using Configuration Scripts” on Page 64.
Factory Assistance
If problems cannot be resolved using the guidance provided here,
review the MDS Web site’s technical support area for recent software/firmware updates, general troubleshooting help, and service information. Additional help is available through the MDS Technical
Support Department. (See “TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE” on the inside
of the rear cover.)
4.1.1 Interpreting the Front Panel LEDs
An important set of troubleshooting tools are the LED status indicators
on the front panel of case. They should be the first thing to check whenever a problem is suspected. Table 3-3 on Page 82 describes the function of each status LED. Table 4-1 below provides suggestions for
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87
resolving common system difficulties using the LEDs, and Table 4-2
other simple techniques.
Table 4-1. Troubleshooting Using LEDs—Symptom-Based
Symptom
Problem/Recommended System Checks
PWR LED does not
turn on.
a. Voltage too low—Check for the proper supply voltage at
the power connector. (10.5–30 Vdc)
b. Indefinite Problem—Cycle the power and wait
(≈ 30 seconds) for the unit to reboot. Then, recheck for
normal operation.
LINK LED does not
turn on.
a. Network Name of Remote not identical to desired Access
Point—Verify that the system has a unique Network Name.
b. Not yet associated with an Access Point with the same
Network Name.
Check the “Status” of the unit’s process of associating with
the Access Point. Use the entraNET Management System.
c. Poor Antenna System—Check the antenna, feedline and
connectors. Reflected power should be less than 10% of
the forward power reading (SWR 2:1 or lower).
PWR LED is
blinking.
a. Blinking indicates an alarm condition exists.
b. View Current Alarms and Event Log and correct the
problem if possible.
(See “Using Logged Operation Events” on Page 92)
c. Blinking will continue until the source of the alarm is
corrected, for example, a valid IP address is entered, etc.
LAN LED does not
turn on.
a. Verify the Ethernet cable is connect at both ends.
b. Verify that the appropriate type of Ethernet cable is used:
straight-through, or crossover.
4.1.2 Troubleshooting Using the Embedded
Management System
If you have looked over and tried the things mentioned in Table 4-1and
still have not resolved the problem, there are some additional tools and
techniques that can be used. The embedded Management System is a
good source of information that may be used remotely to provide preliminary diagnostic information, or may even provide a path to correcting the problem.
Table 4-2. Basic Troubleshooting with the entraNET MS
88
Symptom
Problem/Recommended System Checks
Remote does not
associate; stays in
HOPSYNC
a. Verify the AP has sufficiently large number in the “Max
Remotes” parameter of the Network Configuration Menu.
Serial data is slow
with UDP multicast
traffic
a. Change Beacon Period to FAST.
(Radio Configuration Menu)
b. Verify the correct MAC address is listed in the “Approved
Remotes List” or “Approved Access Points List” of the
Security Configuration menu.
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Table 4-2. Basic Troubleshooting with the entraNET MS
Symptom
Problem/Recommended System Checks
Cannot access the
entraNET MS
through COM1
a. Connect to unit via Telnet or Web browser
b. Disable the serial mode for COM1
(Serial Gateway Configuration>Com1 Serial Data
Port>Status>Disabled)
or, if you know the unit’s data configuration
a. Connect to COM 1 via a terminal set to VT100 and the
port’s data baud rate.
b. Type “+++ [ENTER]”
c. Change the terminal’s baud rate to match the transceiver’s
Console Baud Rate.
d. Type “+++ [ENTER]”
Display on
terminal/Telnet
screen garbled
a. Verify the terminal/terminal emulator or Telnet application
is set to VT100
Cannot pass IP
data to WAN.
a. Verify your IP settings.
b. Use the PING command to test communication with
transceivers in the local radio system.
c. If successful with local PING, attempt to PING an IP unit
attached to a radio.
d. If successful with the LAN PINGs, try connecting to a
known unit in the WAN.
Wireless Retries
too high.
Possible Radio Frequency Interference—
a. If omnidirectional antennas are used, consider changing to
directional antennas. This will often limit interference to and
from other stations.
b. Try skipping some zones where persistent interference is
known or suspected.
c. The installation of a filter in the antenna feedline may be
necessary. Consult the factory for further assistance.
Password
forgotten.
a. Connect to the transceivertransceiver using a terminal
through the COM1 Port.
b. Call MDS. Get a password-resetting Authorization Key.
c. Enter the Authorization Key at the login prompt as a
password.
The following is a summary of how several screens in the entraNET
Management System can be used as diagnostic tools. For information on
how to connect to the entraNET Management System See “STEP 3—
CONNECT PC TO THE MDS TRANSCEIVER” on Page 78.
Starting Information Screen
(See Starting Information Screen on Page 23)
The entraNET MS’s “home page” provides some valuable bits of data.
Probably the most important is the “Device Status” field. This one item
will tell you if the unit is showing signs of life.
If the Device Status field says “associated,” then look in the network
areas beginning with network data statistics. If it displays some other
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89
message, such as Scanning, Hop Sync or Alarmed, you will need to
determine why it is in this state.
The Scanning state indicates a Remote unit is looking for an Access
Point beacon signal to lock onto. It should move to the Hop Sync and
finally to the Associated state within less than a minute. If this Remote
unit is not providing reliable service, look at the Event Logs for signs of
lost association with the Access Point or low signal alarms. Table 4-3
provides a description of the Device Status messages.
Table 4-3. Device Status1
Scanning
The unit is looking for an Access Point beacon signal. If
this is a Remote, Associated means that the unit is
associated with an Access Point
Hop Sync
The unit has found a valid beacon signal for its network
and has changed its frequency hopping pattern to match
that of the AP.
Associated
This unit has successfully synchronized and is
“associated” with an Access Point. This is the normal
operating state.
Alarmed
The unit is has detected one or more alarms that have not
been cleared.
1. Only available in the Startup Information Screen at Remotes.
If the Remote is in an “Alarmed” state, the unit may still be operational
and associated. Look for the association state in the Wireless Network
Status screen to determine if the unit is associated. If it is, then look at
the Error Log for possible clues.
If the unit is in an “Alarmed” state and not able to associate with an
Access Point unit, then there may be problem with the wireless network
layer. Call in a radio technician to deal with wireless issues. Refer the
technician to the RADIO MEASUREMENTS on Page 96 for information
on antenna system checks.
Packet Statistics Menu
(See Packet Statistics Menu on Page 49)
This screen provides detailed information on data exchanges between
the unit being viewed and the network through the wireless and the
Ethernet (data) layers. These include:
Wireless Packet Statistics
90
• Packets received
• Packets dropped
• Packets sent
• Receive errors
• Bytes received
• Retries
• Bytes sent
• Retry errors
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Ethernet Packet Statistics
• Packets received
• Packets dropped
• Packets sent
• Receive errors
• Bytes received
• Retries
• Bytes sent
• Retry errors
• Lost carrier detected
The most significant fields are the Packets Dropped, Retries, Retry
Errors, Receive Errors and Lost Carrier Detected. If the data values are
more than 10% of their sent and received counterparts, or the Lost Carrier Detected value is greater than a few dozen, there may be trouble
with radio-frequency interference or a radio link of marginal strength.
Look over the RSSI by Zone Screen’s values (Page 46) for zones that are
more than a couple of dBs (decibels) below the average level, and for
signal level values that are likely to provide marginal service. For
example, the average level is less than –85 dBm during normal conditions with a data rate of 115.2 kbps.
If the RSSI levels in each zone are within a few decibels (dB) of each
other, but less than –85 dBm, then a check should be made of the aiming
of the antenna system and for a satisfactory SWR. Call in a radio technician to deal with wireless issues. Refer the technician to the RADIO
MEASUREMENTS on Page 96 for information on antenna system
checks.
NOTE: For a data rate of 115.2 kbps, the average signal level should
be –77 dBm or stronger.
Serial Port Statistics Menu
(See Serial Data Statistics Menu on Page 36)
This screen provides top-level information on data exchanges between
the unit’s serial ports and the network through the wireless and the
Ethernet (data) layers. These include:
• Bytes In On Port xxx
• Bytes In On Socket xxx
• Bytes Out On Port xxx
• Bytes Out On Socket xxx
You can use this screen as a barometer of port activity at the data and IP
levels.
Diagnostic Tools
(See MAINTENANCE on Page 58)
The radio’s Maintenance menu contains two tools that are especially
useful to network technicians—the Radio Test Menu and the Ping
Utility. The Radio Test selection allows for testing RF operation, while
the Ping Utility can be used to verify reachability to pieces of equipment
connected to the network. This includes entraNET 900 transceivers as
well as user-supplied Ethernet devices.
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4.1.3 Using Logged Operation Events
(See Event Log Menu on Page 47)
The transceiver’s microprocessor monitors many operational parameters and logs them as various classes of “events”. If the event is one that
affects performance, it is an “alarmed”. There are also normal or routine
events such as those marking the rebooting of the system, implementation of parameter changes and external access to the entraNET Management System. Informational events are stored in temporary (RAM)
memory that will be lost in the absence of primary power, and Alarms
will be stored in permanent memory (Flash memory) until cleared by
user request. Table 2-5 summarizes these classifications.
Table 4-4. Event Classifications
Level
Description/Impact
Storage
Informational
Normal operating activities
Flash
Memory
Minor
Does not affect unit operation
RAM
Major
Degraded unit performance but
still capable of operation
RAM
Critical
Prevents the unit from operating
RAM
These various events are stored in the transceiver’s “Event Log” and can
be a valuable aid in troubleshooting unit problems or detecting attempts
at breaching network security.
4.1.4 Alarm Conditions
(See View Current Alarms on Page 48)
Most events, classified as “critical”, will make the POWER LED blink,
and will inhibit normal operation of the transceiver. The LED will
remain blinking until the corrective action has been completed
Table 4-5. Alarm Conditions (Alphabetical Order)
92
Alarm Condition Reported
Event Log Entry
SNMP Trap
EVENT_ADC
ADC output Railed
adcInput(3)
EVENT_BRIDGE
Network Interface /Error
networkInterface(17)
EVENT_ETH_LINK_AP*
AP Ethernet Link
Disconnected
apEthLinkLost(19)
EVENT_FLASH_TEST
Flash Test Failed
EVENT_FPGA
FPGA communication
Failed
fpgaCommunication(2)
EVENT_FREQ_CAL
Frequency Not
Calibrated
frequencyCal(7)
EVENT_INIT_ERR
Initialization Error
initializationError(18)
EVENT_IPADDR*
IP Address Invalid
ipAddressNotSet(4)
EVENT_IPMASK*
IP Mask Invalid
ipNetmaskNotSet(5)
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MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Table 4-5. Alarm Conditions (Alphabetical Order) (Continued)
Alarm Condition Reported
Event Log Entry
SNMP Trap
EVENT_MAC
MAC communication
Failed
macCommunication(1)
EVENT_MACADDR
MAC Address Invalid
noMacAddress(6)
EVENT_NETNAME*
Netname Invalid
invalidNetname(12)
EVENT_PLL_LOCK
PLL Not locked
pllLock(10)
EVENT_POWER_CAL
Power Calibrated/Not
Calibrated
powerCal(8)
EVENT_POWER_HIGH
RF Power Control
Saturated High
rfPowerHigh(13)
EVENT_POWER_LOW
RF Power Control
Saturated Low
rfPowerLow(14)
EVENT_RSSI*
RSSI Exceeds
threshold
rssi(11)
EVENT_RSSI_CAL
RSSI Not Calibrated
rssiCal(9)
EVENT_SYSTEM_ERROR*
System Error Cleared;
Please Reboot
systemError(16)
*Condition may be corrected by user and alarm cleared.
4.1.5 Correcting Alarm Conditions
(See View Event Log on Page 49)
Table 4-6 provides insight on the causes of events that inhibit the unit
from operating, and possible corrective actions The Event Description
column appears on the Event Log screen.
Table 4-6. Correcting Alarm Conditions
(Alphabetical Order)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Event Log Entry
Generating Condition
Clearing Condition
or Action
ADC Failure
The ADC always reads the
same value (either high or
low limit)
Contact MDS Technical
Services for assistance
AP Ethernet Link
Monitor will check state of
Ethernet link and set alarm if
it finds the link down
Ethernet link is re-established
Bridge Down
When the Bridge fails to be
initialized
Contact MDS Technical
Services for assistance
Flash Test Failed
Internal check indicates
corruption of Flash memory
Contact MDS Technical
Services for assistance
FPGA Failure
Communication lost to the
FPGA
Contact MDS Technical
Services for assistance
General System
Error
Internal checks suggest unit
is not functioning properly
Reboot the transceiver
Initialization Error
Unit fails to complete boot
cycle
Contact MDS Technical
Services for assistance
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
93
Table 4-6. Correcting Alarm Conditions
(Alphabetical Order) (Continued)
Event Log Entry
Generating Condition
Clearing Condition
or Action
Invalid IP Address
The IP address is either
0.0.0.0 or 127.0.0.1
IP address is programmed to
something other than 0.0.0.0
or 127.0.0.1 by the user
MAC Failure
The monitor task reads the
LinkStatus from the MAC
every second. If the MAC
does not reply 10
consecutive times
(regardless of what the result
is) the CPU assumes the
transceiver has lost
communication to the MAC.
Contact MDS Technical
Services for assistance
Network Interface
Error
Unit does not recognize the
LAN interface
Contact MDS Technical
Services for assistance
Network Name Not
Programmed
Network name is “Not
Programmed”
Change Network Name to
something other than “Not
Programmed”
PLL Out-of-Lock
The FPGA reports a
synthesizer out-of-lock
condition when monitored by
the CPU.
Contact MDS Technical
Services for assistance.
Power Control
Railed High
Power control can no longer
compensate and reaches the
high rail
Contact MDS Technical
Services for assistance
Power Control
Railed Low
Power control can no longer
compensate and reaches the
low rail
Contact MDS Technical
Services for assistance
RSSI Exceeds
Threshold
The running-average RSSI
level is weaker (more
negative) than the
user-defined value.
Check aiming of the
directional antenna used at
the Remote; or raise the
threshold level to a stronger
(less-negative) value.
4.1.6 Logged Non-Critical Events
(See View Event Log on Page 49)
The following events allow the transceiver to continue operation and do
not make the POWER LED blink. Each is reported through an SNMP
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trap. The left hand column, “Event Log Entry” is what will be shown in
the Event Log.
Table 4-7. Non-Critical Events (Alphabetical Order)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Event Log Entry
Severity
SNMP Trap
Association Attempt
Success/Failed
MAJOR
assocTryFail(60)
Association Lost - AP Hop
Parameter Changed
MINOR
apParmChange(44)
Association Lost - AP's
Ethernet Link Down
MAJOR
apEthLinkDown(55)
Association Lost - Local IP
Address Changed
MAJOR
ipAddrChanged(59)
Association Lost - Local
Network Name Changed
MAJOR
netnameChanged(58)
Association Lost/Established
MAJOR
associated(43)
Auth Demo Mode Expired -Rebooted Radio/Enabled
MAJOR
authDemoMode(53)
Auth Key Entered - Key
Valid/Key Invalid
MAJOR
keyEntered(54)
Bit Error Rate Below
threshold/Above threshold
INFORM
ber(42)
Console Access Locked for
5 Min
MAJOR
consoleLockdown(63)
Console User Logged
Out/Logged In
MAJOR
consoleLogin(62)
Country/SkipZone Mismatch
INFORM
countrySkipZoneMismatch(50)
Current AP is No Longer
Approved
MAJOR
apNotApproved(57)
Desired AP IP Addr Mismatch
INFORM
desiredAPIPMismatch(51)
Expected Sync
Lost/Established
INFORM
expectedSync(38)
Hop Sync Lost/Established
INFORM
hopSync(39)
Hop Table
Generated/Generation Failed
INFORM
hopTableWrite(40)
HTTP Access Locked for 5 Min
MAJOR
httpLockdown(65)
HTTP User Logged
Out/Logged In
MAJOR
httpLogin(49)
Log Cleared
INFORM
eventLogCleared(52)
Max Beacon Wait Time
Exceeded
MAJOR
noBeacons(56)
Received Beacon - AP is
Blacklisted
INFORM
rxBeaconFromBlacklistAP(37)
Received Beacon - Netname
Does Not Match
INFORM
rxBeaconWrongNetworkName(36)
Received Beacon Valid/Errored
INFORM
rxBeaconErrored(35)
Rem Ethernet Link
Connected/Disconnected
MAJOR
remEthLinkLost(61)
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
95
Table 4-7. Non-Critical Events (Alphabetical Order) (Continued)
Event Log Entry
Severity
SNMP Trap
Reprogramming Complete
INFORM
reprogComplete(46)
Reprogramming Failed
MAJOR
reprogFailed(47)
Reprogramming Started
INFORM
reprogStarted(45)
Scanning Started
INFORM
startScan(34)
SNR Within threshold/Below
threshold
INFORM
snr(41)
System Bootup (power on)
INFORM
systemBoot(32)
Telnet Access Locked for
5 Min
MAJOR
telnetLockdown(64)
Telnet User Logged
Out/Logged In
MAJOR
telnetLogin(48)
User Selected Reboot
MAJOR
systemReboot(33)
4.2 RADIO MEASUREMENTS
There are several measurements that are a good practice to perform
during the initial installation. The will confirm proper operation of the
unit and if they are recorded, serve as a benchmark in troubleshooting
should difficulties appear in the future. These measurements are:
• Transmitter Power Output
• Antenna System SWR (Standing-Wave Ratio)
• Antenna Direction Optimization
These procedures may interrupt traffic through an established network
and should only be performed by a skilled radio-technician in cooperation with the network manager.
4.2.1 Antenna System SWR and Transmitter Power
Output
Introduction
A proper impedance match between the transceiver and the antenna
system is important. It ensures the maximum signal transfer between the
radio and antenna. The impedance match can be checked indirectly by
measuring the SWR (standing-wave ratio) of the antenna system. If the
results are normal, record them for comparison for use during future
routine preventative maintenance. Abnormal readings indicate a possible trouble with the antenna or the transmission line that will need to
be corrected.
The SWR of the antenna system should be checked before the radio is
put into regular service. For accurate readings, a wattmeter suited to
1000 MHz measurements is required. One unit meeting this criteria is
the Bird Model 43™ directional wattmeter with a 5J element installed.
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The reflected power should be less than 10% of the forward power
(≈2:1 SWR). Higher readings usually indicate problems with the
antenna, feedline or coaxial connectors.
If the reflected power is more than 10%, check the feedline, antenna and
its connectors for damage.
Record the current transmitter power output level, and then set it to
30 dBm for the duration of the test to provide an adequate signal level
for the directional wattmeter.
Procedure
1. Place a directional wattmeter between the ANTENNA connector and
the antennas system.
2. Place the transceiver into the Radio Test Mode.
(Main Menu>Maintenance Menu>Radio Test>Test Mode>Y>ON)
NOTE: The Test Mode has a 10-minute timer, after which it will
return the transceiver to normal operation. The Radio Test Mode can
be terminated manually.
3. Set the transmitter power to 30 dBm.
(Main Menu>Maintenance Menu>Radio Test>Test Mode>
Tx Power Output)
NOTE: The Radio Test Mode RF power setting will not affect the
output level during normal operation.
4. Key the transceiver.
(Main Menu>Maintenance Menu>Radio Test>Test Mode>
TxKey> Enable)
User the spacebar to key and unkey the transmitter ON and OFF.
(Enable/Disable)
5. Measure the forward and reflected power into the antenna system
and calculate the SWR and power output level. The output should
agree with the programmed value.
(Main Menu>Radio Configuration>RF Power Output)
6. Turn off Radio Test Mode at the Access Point and Remote.
(Main Menu>Maintenance Menu>Radio Test>Test Mode>Disable)
End of procedure
4.2.2 Antenna Direction Optimization
Introduction
The wireless network integrity depends, in a large part, on stable radio
signal levels being received at each end of a data link. In general, signal
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97
levels stronger than –77 dBm will provide the basis for reliable communication that includes a 15 dB fade margin. As the distance between the
Access Point and Remotes increases, the influence of terrain, foliage
and man-made obstructions become more influential and the use of
directional antennas at Remote locations becomes necessary. Directional antennas usually require some fine-tuning of their bearing to optimize the received signal strength. The transceiver has a built-in received
signal strength indicator (RSSI) that can be used to tell you when the
antenna is in a position that provides the optimum received signal.
RSSI measurements and Wireless Packet Statistics are based on multiple samples over a period of several seconds. The average of these
measurements will be displayed by the entraNET Management System.
The measurement and antenna alignment process will usually take 10 or
more minutes at each transceiver.
The path to the Management System menu item is shown in bold text
below each step of the procedure.
Procedure
1. Verify the Remote is associated with an Access Point unit. Observe
the condition of the LINK LED.
LINK LED = On or Blinking
This will indicate that you have an adequate signal level for the
measurements and it is safe to proceed.
2. View and record the Wireless Packets Dropped and Received Error
rates.
(Main Menu>Performance Information>Packet Statistics>Wireless Packet
Statistics)
This information will be used later.
3. Clear the Wireless Packets Statistics history.
(Main Menu>Performance Information>Packet Statistics>Wireless Packet
Statistics>Clear Wireless Stats)\
4. Read the RSSI level at the Remote.
(Main Menu>Performance Information>RSSI by Zone)
5. Optimize RSSI (less negative is better) by slowly adjusting the
direction of the antenna.
Watch the RSSI indication for several seconds after making each
adjustment so that the RSSI accurately reflects any change in the
link signal strength.
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6. View the Wireless Packets Dropped and Received Error rates at the
point of maximum RSSI level. They should be the same or lower
than the previous reading.
(Main Menu>Performance Information>Packet Statistics>Wireless Packet
Statistics)
If the RSSI peak results in an increase in the Wireless Packets
Dropped and Received Error, the antenna may be aimed at an undesired signal source. Try a different antenna orientation.
End of procedure
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100
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5
PLANNING AN
MDS entraNET 900
RADIO NETWORK
5 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph
Contents
5.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................... 109
5.1.1
5.1.2
5.1.3
5.1.4
5.1.5
5.1.6
5.1.7
General Requirements ..............................................................109
Site Selection ............................................................................111
Terrain and Signal Strength .......................................................111
Antenna & Feedline Selection ...................................................112
Conducting a Site Survey ..........................................................114
A Word About Radio Interference .............................................114
How Much Output Power Can be Used? ..................................116
5.2 dBm-WATTS-VOLTS CONVERSION CHART ......................... 118
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102
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5.1 INSTALLATION
This section provides tips for selecting an appropriate site, choosing an
antenna system, and reducing the chance of harmful interference.
5.1.1 General Requirements
There are three main requirements for installing transceiver—adequate
and stable primary power, a good antenna system, and the correct interface between the transceiver and the data device. Figure 5-1 shows a
typical Remote Gateway installation.
Invisible place holder
ANTENNA
SYSTEM
Network
DATA TERMINAL
EQUIPMENT OR
LAN/WAN
MDS entraNET
COMPUTER
W/TERMINAL
EMULATOR
-L
OW
OS
FE
DL
IN
DC POWER SUPPLY
10.5–30 Vdc (580 mA Max.)
Negative Ground Only
Figure 5-1. Typical Installation with a tower-mounted antenna
(Connect user data equipment to any compatible LAN or COM Port)
Unit Dimensions
Figure 5-2 shows the dimensions of the transceiver case and its
mounting holes, and Figure 5-3 on Page 105, the dimensions for
mounting with MDS-supplied brackets. If possible, choose a mounting
location that provides easy access to the connectors on the end of the
radio and an unobstructed view of the LED status indicators.
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103
4.5˝ (11.4 cm)
TOP
6.75˝ (17.15 cm)
2.5˝ (6.35 cm)
FRONT
BOTTOM
THREADED
HOLES FOR
MOUNTING
SCREWS (4)
4.85˝ (12/3 cm)
SIDE
Not to scale
1.25˝ (3.17 cm)
4.25˝ (10.8 cm)
4.75˝ (12 cm)
Figure 5-2. Transceiver Dimensions
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Invisible place holder
2.75˝ (7 cm)
7.25˝ (18.4 cm)
Figure 5-3. Mounting Brackets Dimensions
5.1.2 Site Selection
Suitable sites should provide:
• Protection from direct weather exposure
• A source of adequate and stable primary power
• Suitable entrances for antenna, interface or other required
cabling
• Antenna location that provides as unobstructed a transmission
path as possible in the direction of the associated station(s)
These requirements can be quickly determined in most cases. A possible
exception is the last item—verifying that an unobstructed transmission
path exists. Radio signals travel primarily by line-of-sight, and obstructions between the sending and receiving stations will affect system performance. If you are not familiar with the effects of terrain and other
obstructions on radio transmission, the discussion below will provide
helpful background.
5.1.3 Terrain and Signal Strength
While the license-free 900 MHz band offers many advantages for data
transmission services, signal propagation is affected by attenuation from
obstructions such as terrain, foliage or buildings in the transmission
path.
A line-of-sight transmission path between the central transceiver and its
associated transceiver site(s) is highly desirable and provides the most
reliable communications link.
Much depends on the minimum signal strength that can be tolerated in
a given system. Although the exact figure will differ from one system to
another, a Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) of –77 dBm or
stronger will provide acceptable performance in many systems. While
the equipment will work at lower-strength signals, signals stronger than
– 77 dBm provide a “fade margin” of 15 dB to account for variations in
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105
signal strength that may occur from time-to-time. RSSI can be measured
with a terminal connected to the COM1 Port or with a HTTP browser to
the LAN (Ethernet) connector. (See “Antenna Direction Optimization”
on Page 97 for details.)
5.1.4 Antenna & Feedline Selection
Antennas
The equipment can be used with a number of antennas. The exact style
used depends on the physical size and layout of a system. Contact your
MDS representative for specific recommendations on antenna types and
hardware sources.
In general, an omnidirectional antenna (Figure 5-4) is used at the Access
Point station site. This provides equal coverage to all of the Remote
Gateway sites.
NOTE: Antenna polarization is important. If the wrong polarization is
used, a signal reduction of 20 dB or more will result. Most
systems using a gain-type omnidirectional antenna at the
Access Point station employ vertical polarization of the signal;
therefore, the remote antenna(s) must also be vertically polarized (elements oriented perpendicular to the horizon).
When required, horizontally polarized omnidirectional
antennas are also available. Contact your MDS representative
for details.
Invisible place holder
High-gain Type
Unity-gain Type
Figure 5-4. Typical Omnidirectional Antennas
At Remote Gateway sites and units in point-to-point LANs, a directional
Yagi (Figure 5-5) antenna is generally recommended to minimize interference to and from other users. Antennas are available from a number
of manufacturers.
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Invisible place holder
Figure 5-5. Typical Yagi antenna (mounted to mast)
Feedlines
The choice of feedline used with the antenna should be carefully considered. Poor-quality coaxial cables should be avoided, as they will
degrade system performance for both transmission and reception. The
cable should be kept as short as possible to minimize signal loss.
For cable runs of less than 20 feet (6 meters), or for short range transmission, an inexpensive type such as Type RG-8A/U may be acceptable.
Otherwise, we recommend using a low-loss cable type suited for
900 MHz, such as Heliax®.
Table 5-1 lists several types of popular feedlines and indicates the signal
losses (in dB) that result when using various lengths of cable at
900 MHz. The choice of cable will depend on the required length, cost
considerations, and the amount of signal loss that can be tolerated.
Table 5-1. Length vs. loss in coaxial cables at 900 MHz
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Cable Type
10 Feet
(3.05 m)
50 Feet
(15.24 m)
100 Feet
(30.48 m)
500 Feet
(152.4 m)
LMR-400
0.39 dB
1.95 dB
3.90 dB
Unacceptable
Loss
1/2 inch HELIAX
0.23 dB
1.15 dB
2.29 dB
11.45 dB
7/8 inch HELIAX
0.13 dB
0.64 dB
1.28 dB
6.40 dB
1-1/4 inch HELIAX
0.10 dB
0.48 dB
0.95 dB
4.75 dB
1-5/8 inch HELIAX
0.08 dB
0.40 dB
0.80 dB
4.00 dB
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
107
Table 5-2 outlines the minimum lengths of RG-214 coaxial cable that
must be used with common MDS omnidirectional antennas in order to
maintain compliance with FCC maximum limit of +36 dBm.
Table 5-2. Minimum Feedline Length versus Antenna Gain
Antenna Gain
(dBd)
Antenna Gain
(dBi)
Minimum Feedline
Length (Loss in dB)
Power Level
@ Minimum Length
Unity (0 dB)
2.15 dBi
3 meters (1.0 dB)
+31.15 dBi
3 dBd
5.15 dBi
3 meters (1.0 dB)
+34.15 dBi
5 dBd
7.15 dBi
3.1 meters (1.2 dB)
+35.95 dBi
5.1.5 Conducting a Site Survey
If you are in doubt about the suitability of the radio sites in your system,
it is best to evaluate them before a permanent installation is underway.
This can be done with an on-the-air test (preferred method); or indirectly, using path-study software.
An on-the-air test is preferred because it allows you to see firsthand the
factors involved at an installation site and to directly observe the quality
of system operation. Even if a computer path study was conducted earlier, this test should be done to verify the predicted results.
The test can be performed by first installing a radio and antenna at the
proposed Access Point (AP) station site (one-per-system). Then visit the
Remote site(s) with a transceiver and a hand-held antenna. (A PC with
a network adapter can be connected to each radio in the network to simulate data during this test using the PING command.)
With the hand-held antenna positioned near the proposed mounting
spot, a technician can check for synchronization with the Access Point
station (shown by a lit LINK LED on the front panel) and measure the
reported RSSI value. (See “Antenna Direction Optimization” on
Page 97 for details.) If adequate signal strength cannot be obtained, it
may be necessary to mount the station antennas higher, use higher gain
antennas, select a different site or consider installing a repeater station.
To prepare the equipment for an on-the-air test, follow the general
installation procedures given in this guide and become familiar with the
operating instructions found in the CHAPTER-4 TROUBLESHOOTING & RADIO MEASUREMENTS section Page 85.
5.1.6 A Word About Radio Interference
The transceivers share the radio-frequency spectrum with other 900
MHz services and other Part 15 (unlicensed) devices in the USA. As
such, near 100% error-free communications may not be achieved in a
given location, and some level of interference should be expected. However, the radio’s flexible design and hopping techniques should allow
adequate performance as long as care is taken in choosing station loca-
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MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
tion, configuration of radio parameters and software/protocol techniques.
In general, keep the following points in mind when setting up your communications network.
1. Systems installed in rural areas are least likely to encounter
interference; those in suburban and urban environments are more
likely to be affected by other devices operating in the license-free
frequency band and by adjacent licensed services.
2. Use a directional antenna at remote sites whenever possible.
Although these antennas may be more costly than omnidirectional
types, they confine the transmission and reception pattern to a comparatively narrow lobe, that minimizes interference to (and from)
stations located outside the pattern.
3. If interference is suspected from a nearby licensed system (such as a
paging transmitter), it may be helpful to use horizontal polarization
of all antennas in the network. Because most other services use vertical polarization in this band, an additional 20 dB of attenuation to
interference can be achieved by using horizontal polarization.
Another approach is to use a bandpass filter to attenuate all signals
outside the 900 MHz band.
4. Multiple Access Point units can co-exist in proximity to each other
with only very minor interference. Each network name has a different hop pattern. (See “Protected Network Operation through Multiple Access Points” on Page 8.) Additional isolation can be achieved
by using separate directional antennas with as much vertical or horizontal separation as is practical.
5. If constant interference is present in a particular frequency zone
(collection of 8 RF channels), it may be necessary to “skip” that
zone from the radio’s hopping pattern. The radio includes built-in
software to help users identify and remove blocked frequency zones
from its hopping pattern. (See “Skip Zone Options Menu” on
Page 31 for more information.)
6. If interference problems persist even after skipping some zones, try
reducing the length of data streams. Groups of short data streams
have a better chance of getting through in the presence of interference than do long streams.
7. The power output of all radios in a system should be set for the lowest level necessary for reliable communications. This lessens the
chance of causing unnecessary interference to nearby systems.
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109
If you are not familiar with these interference-control techniques, contact your MDS sales or Technical Support Department for more information.
5.1.7 How Much Output Power Can be Used?
The transceiver is normally supplied from the factory set for a nominal
+30 dBm (1 Watt) RF power output setting; this is the maximum transmitter output power allowed under FCC rules. The power must be
decreased from this level if the antenna system gain exceeds 6 dBi. The
allowable level is dependent on the antenna gain, feedline loss, and the
transmitter output power setting.
NOTE: In some countries, the maximum allowable RF output may be
limited to less than 1 watt (For example, 100 mW /+20 dBm).
Be sure to check for and comply with the requirements for
your area.
Calculating System Gain
To determine the maximum allowable power setting of the radio, perform the following steps:
1. Determine the antenna system gain by subtracting the feedline loss
(in dB) from the antenna gain (in dBi). For example, if the antenna
gain is 9.5 dBi, and the feedline loss is 1.5 dB, the antenna system
gain would be 8 dB. (If the antenna system gain is 6 dB or less, no
power adjustment is required.)
2. Subtract the antenna system gain from 36 dBm (the maximum
allowable EIRP). The result indicates the maximum transmitter
power (in dBm) allowed under the rules. In the example above, this
is 28 dBm.
3. If the maximum transmitter power allowed is less than 30 dBm, set
the power to the desired level using the entraNET Management System.
(Main Menu>Radio Configuration>RF Output Power Setpoint)
For convenience, Table 5-3 lists several antenna system gains and
shows the maximum allowable power setting of the radio. Note that a
gain of 6 dB or less entitles you to operate the radio at full power output
–30 dBm (1 Watt).
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Table 5-3. Antenna system gain vs. power output setting (USA)
Antenna System Gain
Maximum Power
Setting
EIRP
(in dBm)
(in dBm)
6 (or less)
30
36
28
36
10
26
36
12
24
36
14
22
36
16
20
36
(Antenna Gain in dBi*
minus Feedline Loss in dB†)
* Most antenna manufacturers rate antenna gain in dBd in their literature. To convert to dBi, add 2.15 dB.
† Feedline loss varies by cable type and length. To determine the loss
for common lengths of feedline, see Table 5-1 on Page 107.
For assistance in the conversion of dBm to Watts, please see
dBm-WATTS-VOLTS CONVERSION CHART on Page 112.
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111
5.2 dBm-WATTS-VOLTS CONVERSION
CHART
Table 5-4 is provided as a convenience for determining the equivalent
voltage or wattage of an RF power expressed in dBm.
Table 5-4. dBm-Watts-Volts conversion—for 50 ohm systems
112
dBm V
Po
dBm V
Po
dBm mV
+53
+50
+49
+48
+47
+46
+45
+44
+43
+42
+41
+40
+39
+38
+37
+36
+35
+34
+33
+32
+31
+30
+29
+28
+27
+26
+25
+24
+23
+22
+21
+20
+19
+18
+17
+16
+15
+14
+13
+12
+11
+10
+9
+8
+7
+6
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
200W
100W
80W
64W
50W
40W
32W
25W
20W
16W
12.5W
10W
8W
6.4W
5W
4W
3.2W
2.5W
2W
1.6W
1.25W
1.0W
800mW
640mW
500mW
400mW
320mW
250mW
200mW
160mW
125mW
100mW
80mW
64mW
50mW
40mW
32mW
25mW
20mW
16mW
12.5mW
10mW
8mW
6.4mW
5mW
4mW
3.2mW
2.5mW
2.0mW
1.6mW
1.25mW
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5
-6
-7
-8
-9
-10
-11
-12
-13
-14
-15
-16
1.0mW
.80mW
.64mW
.50mW
.40mW
.32mW
.25mW
.20mW
.16mW
.125mW
.10mW
-49
-50
-51
-52
-53
-54
-55
-56
-57
-58
-59
-60
-61
-62
-63
-64
100.0
70.7
64.0
58.0
50.0
44.5
40.0
32.5
32.0
28.0
26.2
22.5
20.0
18.0
16.0
14.1
12.5
11.5
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.10
6.40
5.80
5.00
4.45
4.00
3.55
3.20
2.80
2.52
2.25
2.00
1.80
1.60
1.41
1.25
1.15
1.00
.90
.80
.71
.64
.58
.500
.445
.400
.355
.320
.280
.252
.225
.200
.180
.160
.141
.125
.115
.100
.090
.080
.071
.064
.058
.050
.045
.040
.0355
dBm µV
dBm mV
-17
-18
-19
-20
-21
-22
-23
-24
-25
-26
-27
-28
-29
-30
-31
-32
-33
-34
-35
-36
-37
-38
-39
-40
-41
-42
-43
-44
-45
-46
-47
-48
31.5
28.5
25.1
22.5
20.0
17.9
15.9
14.1
12.8
11.5
10.0
8.9
8.0
7.1
6.25
5.8
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.2
2.85
2.5
2.25
2.0
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.25
1.18
1.00
0.90
Po
.01mW
.001mW
.1µW
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
-65
-66
-67
-68
-69
-70
-71
-72
-73
-74
-75
-76
-77
-78
-79
-80
-81
-82
-83
-84
-85
-86
-87
-88
-89
-90
-91
-92
-93
-94
-95
-96
-97
Po
0.80
0.71 .01µW
0.64
0.57
0.50
0.45
0.40
0.351
0.32
0.286
0.251
0.225 .001µW
0.200
0.180
0.160
0.141
128
115
100
90
80
71
65
58
50
45
40
35
32
29
25
22.5
20.0
18.0
16.0
11.1
12.9
11.5
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.1
6.1
5.75
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.51
3.2
Po
.1nW
.01nW
.001nW
dBm µV
-98
-99
-100
-101
-102
-103
-104
-105
-106
2.9
2.51
2.25
2.0
1.8
1.6
1.41
1.27
1.18
dBm nV
-107
-108
-109
-110
-111
-112
-113
-114
-115
-116
-117
-118
-119
-120
-121
-122
-123
-124
-125
-126
-127
-128
-129
-130
-131
-132
-133
-134
-135
-136
-137
-138
-139
-140
1000
900
800
710
640
580
500
450
400
355
325
285
251
225
200
180
160
141
128
117
100
90
80
71
61
58
50
45
40
35
33
29
25
23
Po
.1pW
Po
.01pW
.001pW
.1ƒW
.01ƒW
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
6
TECHNICAL REFERENCE
6 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph
Contents
6.1 DATA INTERFACE CONNECTORS......................................... 121
6.1.1 LAN Port ....................................................................................121
6.1.2 COM1 Port ................................................................................122
6.1.3 COM2 Port ................................................................................122
6.2 FUSE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE ................................... 123
6.3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................ 124
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
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114
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6.1 REMOTE TRANSCEIVER
COMMAND REFERENCE
6.1.1 Command Description
The following commands are used to set the configuration and operating
parameters for the MDS entraNET radio...They can be issued from a
console terminal connected as shown in Section...
HELP
Lists the commands available through the console interface.
HELP
DUMP
TOR
LOGIN
AUTH
COM1
CONSOLE
REG
BOOT
POWER
ENCRYPT
DATE
PAYLOAD
WAKE
REPROG
DEVICE
RADIO
CONFIG
OEM
TREND
H2H
VER
CONFIGTAB
IMAGE
DUMP
Lists the current value of all variables.
TOR
Syntax: TOR [optional arguments as follows]...

command string to send to TOR
PASS=
;COM2passthroughto/fromTORLCPdataportDISABLED
;COM1 passthrough to/from TOR diagnostic port
;COM2 passthrough to/from TOR LCP data port
REPROG=
0 ;reprogram tor with image for currently executing OIB image.
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
115
1
;reprogram tor with image 1
;reprogarm tor with image 2
CMD=<0|1>
dump command line format
RADIO
Syntax: RADIO [optional arguments as follows]...
ADDR=
Current Radio Network Address
MAC=
Current Radio MAC Address
SYNC=
Current state of Radio Sync
CMD=<0|1>
dump command line format
LOGIN
Syntax: LOGIN [optional arguments as follows]...

Login securely; prompt username + password and
echo '*' when inputting password.
ADMIN=
DIST=
Administrator console login password.
Distributor console login password.
NONE=
User Read-only login.
FACT=
ENG=
AUTH
Syntax: AUTH [optional arguments as follows]...

ELI_NOT_BLUNET
;1: ELI; 0: BLUNET
MAC_UNIT_MASTER
RS232_NOT_4XX
116
;1: MASTER; 0: REMOTE
;1: RS232; 0: RS485
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ETHERNET_ENABLE
;1:ETHERNETENABLED;0:DISABLED
NETWKMGMT_ENABLE ;1: NETWORK MANAGEMENT
ENABLED; 0: DISABLED
CMD=<0|1>
dump command line format
BOOT
Syntax: BOOT [optional arguments as follows]...
RUN=
RESET
;goto Reset Vector
APP1
;Application Image 1
APP2
;Application Image 2
CMD=<0|1>
dump command line format
DATE
Syntax: DATE [optional arguments as follows]...

Current real time clock date.
FORM=
US
;US Date Format
EUROPE
;Europe Date Format
GENERIC
;Generic Date Format
TIME=
Current system time-of-day in military format
CMD=<0|1>
dump command line format
COM1
Syntax: COM1 [optional arguments as follows]...
MODE=
CMDL
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
;Console port in Command-line mode
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
117
DATA
;Console port in transparent data mode
DLINK
;Console port in DLINK remote diagnostic mode.
CMD=<0|1>
dump command line format
CONSOLE
Syntax: CONSOLE [optional arguments as follows]...
BAUD=
Data Rate of Console Port (COM1):
1200
2400
4800
9600
19200
38400
57600
115200
;1200 bps
;2400 bps
;4800 bps
;9600 bps
;19200 bps
;38400 bps
;57600 bps
;115200 bps
CBITS=
Number of Bits that form one character (byte):
;7 character bits
;8 character bits
;9 character bits
PAR=
NONE
;no parity
ODD
;odd parity
EVEN
;even parity
SBITS=
;1 stop bit
;2 stop bits
CMD=<0|1>
118
dump command line format
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PAYLOAD (Serial)
Syntax: PAYLOAD [optional arguments as follows]...

COM1
;COM1 port
COM2
;COM2 port
BAUD=
1200
;1200 bps
2400
;2400 bps
4800
;4800 bps
9600
;9600 bps
19200
;19200 bps
38400
;38400 bps
57600
;57600 bps
115200
;115200 bps
230400
;230400 bps
CBITS=
;7 character bits
;8 character bits
;9 character bits
EN=
OFF
;Payload data disabled on port
ON
;Payload data enabled on port
PAR=
NONE
ODD
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
;no parity bit
;Odd Parity
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
119
EVEN
;Even Parity
SBITS=
;1 stop bit
;2 stop bit
CMD=<0|1>
dump command line format
COM1 port
COM2 port
OEM
Syntax: OEM [optional arguments as follows]...
COMP=
Name of company selling the radio.
MODEL=
Model number given to the radio
PROD=
Product Name given to the radio
SREV=
Software ID.
CMD=<0|1>
dump command line format
REG
Syntax: REG [optional arguments as follows]...
REG=<0|1>
master
Whether the device (remote) has registered with a
CA=
after registration
Master-assigned connection address (mac address)
MASTER=
PROT=
w/ master
serial number of registered master
agreed protocl version for H2H after registration
REFRESH= registration refresh period - determined from
Age Out time provided by Master at registration
SAF=
120
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OFF
;Store and Forward Disabled
ON
;Store and Forward Enabled
LOWPOWER
;Store and Froward w/ Low Power Enabled
SHUTDOWN=<0|1>
Agreement with master whether disconnect
sent when shutting down - yes/no
SLEEP=
NONE
;Sleep Disabled on Network
XPARENT
;Transparent Sleep Only on Network
SIMPLE
;Simple Sleep Supported on Network
TIWAKE
;Traffic Indication w/ Wake on Data at Master
TINOWAKE
;Traffic Indication w/o Wake on Data at Master
SLEEPIND= Master-assigned sleep TIM index after registration
TYPE=
istration
RegMasterType - type of master accepting reg-
CMD=<0|1>
dump command line format
POWER
Syntax: POWER [optional arguments as follows]...
CNTRL=
DTR
;DTR controls power mode
PERM
;Power mode is permanent until explicitly wake up b
y master or local data.
PERIOD
;Wake-up is periodically
MODE=
NORM
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
;Normal low power mode
SLEEP
;Sleep mode
SHUT
;Shutdown mode
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
121
PWKTIME= This determines the period of wake-up when
power mode control is periodic wake-up.
PHGTIME= This determines how long the remotes hang
out after awaken before going back to sleep.
CMD=<0|1>
dump command line format
WAKE
Syntax: WAKE [optional arguments as follows]...
LDATA=<0|1>
When in sleep mode this enable whether remote
can wake on local data/console or not.
MDATA=<0|1>
When in sleep mode this enable whether remote
can wake on data at master.
CMD=<0|1>
dump command line format
TREND
Syntax: TREND [optional arguments as follows]...

Writing to this register invokes a request to return
trending data at the next non-intrusive opportunity.
CMD=<0|1>
dump command line format
ENCRYPT
Syntax: ENCRYPT [optional arguments as follows]...
EN=<0|1>
Enable encryption of payload Data
PHRASE=
Encryption Pass Phrase
MASTKEY=
current key
KEY0=key 0
122
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MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
KEY1=key 1
KEY2=key 2
KEY3=key 3
IV=
current IV
CMD=<0|1>
dump command line format
REPROG
Syntax: REPROG [optional arguments as follows]...
START=
SIZE=
Start address of Flash reprogramming process.
Number of reprogramming bytes to be downloaded.
H2H
Syntax: H2H [optional arguments as follows]...
PROT=
LCP_ONLY
;LCP, no network or H2H layer
H2H_ONLY
;H2H but no Network layer
H2H_NETWORK
CMD=<0|1>
;Full H2H/Network protocol
dump command line format
VER
Syntax: VER [optional arguments as follows]...
IMAGE=
SREV=
Current Software Version number. xx.yy.zz
SWID=
Current Software ID text. 06-nnnnAnn
XSREV=
xx.yy.zz
H2H=
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Currently active image: 1 or 2
Current Radio Software Version number.
Host to Host protocol version number.
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
123
HREV=
OIB Board Hardware Revision
XHREV=
OEM Radio Board Hardware Revision.
CMD=<0|1>
dump command line format
DEVICE
Syntax: DEVICE [optional arguments as follows]...
UNIT=
This is the remote unit ID which is used for Host
to Host interface as well as DLINK remote diagnostic messages.
SNUM=
OIB Board Serial Number.
OWNER=
string).
Owner can program any information (as 1
UPTIME=
Current system uptime.
XSNUM=
OEM Radio Board Serial Number
CMD=<0|1>
dump command line format
CONFIG
Syntax: CONFIG [optional arguments as follows]...
ELI=
CMD=<0|1>
Product configurator string.
dump command line format
CONFIGTAB
Syntax: CONFIGTAB [optional arguments as follows]...
VER=
Config Table Version
CMD=<0|1>
dump command line format
IMAGE
Syntax123
124
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
: IMAGE [optional arguments as follows]...

APP1
;Application Image 1
APP2
;Application Image 2
SREV=
ported
SWID=
XSREV=
ported.
CMD=<0|1>
Software Version number. (xx.yy.zz). Not supSoftware ID text. (06-nnnnAnn). Not supported
Display TOR radio software version. Not supdump command line format
Application Image 1
Application Image 2
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
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125
6.2 DATA INTERFACE CONNECTORS
(Pubs Note: There will be separate sections for the AP and Remote in
the final book. Presently, only the AP is covered.)
Three data interface connectors are provided on the face of the Access
Point transceiver. The first, the LAN Port, is an RJ-45 connector. The
other two use two DB-9 interface connectors that use the RS-232
(EIA-232) signaling standard. Note that the connector for COM1 Port is
DCE (Female DB-9) and the COM2 Port is DTE (male DB-9).
CAUTION
RADIO FREQUENCY
INTERFERENCE
POTENTIAL
The transceiver meets U.S.A.’s FCC Part 15, Class A limits when used
with shielded data cables.
6.2.1 LAN Port
The LAN Port is used to connect the radio to an Ethernet network. The
transceiver will provide a data link to an Internet Protocol-based (IP)
data network through the radio network’s Access Point station. Each
transceiver in the network must have a unique IP address for the network
to function properly.
• To connect a PC directly to the radio’s LAN port, an RJ-45 to
RJ-45 cross-over cable is required.
• To connect the radio to a Ethernet hub or bridge, use a
straight-through cable.
The connector uses the standard Ethernet RJ-45 cables and wiring. For
custom-made cables, use the pinout information below.
12345678
Figure 6-1. LAN Port (RJ-45) Pinout
(Viewed from the outside of the unit)
Table 6-1. LAN Port (IP/Ethernet)
126
Pin
Functions
Ref.
Transmit Data (TX)
High
Transmit Data (TX)
Low
Receive Data (RX)
High
Unused
Unused
Receive Data (RX)
Unused
Unused
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
Low
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
6.2.2 COM1 Port
To connect a PC to the transceiver’s COM1 port use a DB-9M to DB-9F
cross-over cable. This cable may also be purchased from a computer
retail store or mail-order company. For custom interface cables, use the
pinout information in Figure 6-2 and Table 6-2.
Figure 6-2. COM1 Port (DCE)
(Viewed from the outside of the unit.)
Table 6-2. COM1 Port Pinout, DB-9F/RS-232 Interface
Pin
Functions
DCE
Unused
Receive Data (RXD)
<—[ Out
Transmit Data (TXD)
—>[ In
Unused
Signal Ground (GND)
6–9
Unused
6.2.3 COM2 Port
Figure 6-3. COM2 Port (DTE)
Viewed from the outside of the radio
Table 6-3. COM2 Port, DB-9M/EIA-232 Interface
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Pin
Functions
DTE
Data Carrier Detect (DCD)
In ]<—
Receive Data (RXD)
In ]<—
Transmit Data (TXD)
Out ]—>
Data Terminal Ready (DTR)
Out ]—>
Signal Ground (GND)
Data Set Ready (DSR)
In ]<—
Request-to-Send (RTS)
Out ]—>
Clear-to-Send (CTS)
In ]<—
Unused
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
127
6.3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL
Temperature Range:
–40° C to +70° C (–40° F to 158° F)
Humidity:
95% at +40° C (104° F); non-condensing
Primary Power:
6–30 Vdc (13.8 Vdc Nominal)
Supply Current (typical):
(8 Watts Maximum @ 1 Watt RF Output)
Transmit:
28 mA @ 13.8 Vdc
Receive:
100 mA @ 13.8 Vdc
Sleep:
<7 mA @ 13.8 Vdc
MTBF:
35 Years (Telcordia Method 1, Case 3)
Size (Excluding mtg. hardware):
1.5" x 6" x 4" (H x W x D)
3.8 x 15.2 x 10.2 cm
Weight:
0.9 kg / 2 lb (AP)
0.0 kg/0 lb (Remote)
Case:
Cast Aluminum
Boot Time:
≈ 30 sec
Time Required to Associate
with Access Point:
≈ 20 sec
APPROVALS/HOMOLOGATION
• FCC Part 15.247 (Pending)
• Industry Canada RSS-210 and RSS-139 (Pending)
• UL/CSA Class 1, Div. 2; Groups A, B, C and D
hazardous locations (Pending)
• Contact MDS for information on availability and
governmental approvals in other countries
EMBEDDED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Access Point:
• HTTP (Embedded Web server)
• Text-based menu on COM1 serial port
• Telnet
Remote Radios:
• Command line via COM1 port
DATA CHARACTERISTICS
PORTS (AP):
Ethernet:
Interface Connectors:
RJ-45 Standard
Data Rate:
10BaseT
COM1, COM2:
128
Signaling Standard:
EIA-232/V.24
Interface Connectors:
RJ-45
Interface:
COM1: DCE / COM2: DTE
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Data Rate:
1200–115,200 bps
asynchronous
Data Latency:
< 10 ms typical
PORTS (Remote):
Ethernet:
Interface Connectors:
RJ-45 Standard
Data Rate:
10BaseT
COM1, COM2:
Signaling Standard:
EIA-232/V.24
Interface Connectors:
DB-9
Interface:
COM1: DCE / COM2: DTE
Data Rate:
1200–115,200 bps
asynchronous
Data Latency:
< 10 ms typical
PROTOCOLS:
• CSMA/CA Wireless Protocol with Collision Avoidance (802.11)
• IEEE 802.11 CSMA/CD (Wireless)
• IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet)
• IP/Ethernet (ICMP, UDP, TCP, ARP)
• Clear-channel mode for serial async multidrop
protocols including: Modbus, DNP.3, Bisync,
BSAP, DF1, TotalFlow, Poll Select
RADIO CHARACTERISTICS
GENERAL:
Frequency Range:
902–928 MHz ISM Band
Frequency Hopping Range:
Ten user-configurable 2.5 MHz-wide zones,
each containing 8 frequencies
Hop Pattern:
Based on network name
Frequency Stability:
20 ppm
TRANSMITTER:
Power Output
(at antenna connector):
0.1 to 1.0 watt (+20 dBm to +30 dBm) ±1.0 dB,
set by user
Duty Cycle:
Continuous
Modulation Type:
Binary CPFSK
Output Impedance:
50 Ohms
Spurious:
–67 dBc
Occupied Bandwidth:
200 kHz
RECEIVER:
Type:
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Sensitivity:
Double conversion superheterodyne
–108 dBm @ 106 kbps < 1x10-6 BER
Intermodulation:
59 dB Minimum (EIA)
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
129
130
Desensitization:
70 dB
Spurious:
60 dB
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MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
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132
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7
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
AND ABBREVIATIONS
7 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph
If you are new to wireless IP/Ethernet systems, some of the terms used
in this guide may be unfamiliar. The following glossary explains many
of these terms and will prove helpful in understanding the operation of
the transceiver.
Access Point (AP)—The transceiver in the network that provides synchronization information to one or more associated Remote units. AP
units may be configured for either the Access Point (master) or Remote
services. (See “Network Configuration Menu” on Page 27.)
Active Scanning—See Passive Scanning
Antenna System Gain—A figure, normally expressed in dB, representing the power increase resulting from the use of a gain-type antenna.
System losses (from the feedline and coaxial connectors, for example)
are subtracted from this figure to calculate the total antenna system gain.
AP—See Access Point
Association—Condition in which, the frequency hopping pattern of the
Remote is synchronized with the Access Point station in a network and
is ready to pass traffic.
Authorization Key—Alphanumeric string (code) that is used to enable
additional capabilities in a transceiver.
Bit—The smallest unit of digital data, often represented by a one or a
zero. Eight bits (plus start, stop, and parity bits) usually comprise a byte.
Bits-per-second—See BPS.
BPDU—Bridge Protocol Data Units
BPS—Bits-per-second (bps). A measure of the information transfer rate
of digital data across a communication channel.
Byte—A string of digital data usually made up of eight data bits and
start, stop and parity bits.
CSMA/CA—Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance
CSMA/CD—Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection
Data Circuit-terminating Equipment—See DCE.
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
133
Data Communications Equipment—See DCE.
Data Terminal Equipment—See DTE.
dBi—Decibels referenced to an “ideal” isotropic radiator in free space.
Frequently used to express antenna gain.
dBm—Decibels referenced to one milliwatt. An absolute unit used to
measure signal power, as in transmitter power output, or received signal
strength.
DCE—Data Circuit-terminating Equipment (or Data Communications
Equipment). In data communications terminology, this is the “modem”
side of a computer-to-modem connection. COM1 Port of the transceiver
is set as DCE.
Decibel (dB)—A measure of the ratio between two signal levels. Frequently used to express the gain (or loss) of a system.
Device Mode—The operating mode/role of a transceiver (Access Point
or Remote) in a wireless network.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)—An Internet standard that allows a client (i.e. any computer or network device) to obtain
an IP address from a server on the network. This allows network administrators to avoid the tedious process of manually configuring and managing IP addresses for a large number of users and devices. When a
network device powers on, if it is configured to use DHCP, it will contact a DHCP server on the network and request an IP address. The
DHCP server will provide an address from a pool of addresses allocated
by the network administrator. The network device may use this address
on a “time lease” basis or indefinitely depending on the policy set by the
network administrator. The DHCP server can restrict allocation of IP
addresses based on security policies. An MDS NET 900 access point
may be configured by the system administrator to act as a DHCP server
if one is not available on the wired network.
Digital Signal Processing—See DSP.
DSP—Digital Signal Processing. DSP circuitry is responsible for the
most critical real-time tasks; primarily modulation, demodulation, and
servicing of the data port.
DTE—Data Terminal Equipment. A device that provides data in the
form of digital signals at its output. Connects to the DCE device.
Encapsulation—Process in by which, a complete data packet, such as
Modbus frame or any other polled asynchronous protocol frame, is
placed in the data portion of another protocol frame (in this case IP) to
be transported over a network. Typically this action is done at the receiving end, before being sent as an IP packet to a network. A similar re134
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MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
versed process is applied at the other end of the network extracting the
data from the IP envelope, resulting in the original packet in the original
protocol.
Endpoint—IP address of data equipment connected to the ports of the
radio.
Equalization—The process of reducing the effects of amplitude, frequency or phase distortion with compensating networks.
Fade Margin—The greatest tolerable reduction in average received
signal strength that will be anticipated under most conditions. Provides
an allowance for reduced signal strength due to multipath, slight antenna
movement or changing atmospheric losses. A fade margin of 15 to 20
dB is usually sufficient in most systems.
Frame—A segment of data that adheres to a specific data protocol and
contains definite start and end points. It provides a method of synchronizing transmissions.
Frequency Hopping—The spread spectrum technique used by the
transceivers, where two or more associated radios change their operating frequencies several times per second using a set pattern. Since the
pattern appears to jump around, it is said to “hop” from one frequency
to another.
Frequency Zone—The transceiver uses up to 80 discrete channels in
the 902 to 928 MHz spectrum. A group of 8 channels is referred to as a
zone; in total there are 10 zones.
Hardware Flow Control—An transceiver feature used to prevent data
buffer overruns when handling high-speed data from the connected data
communications device. When the buffer approaches overflow, the
radio drops the clear-to-send (CTS) line, that instructs the connected
device to delay further transmission until CTS again returns to the high
state.
Hop Pattern Seed—A user-selectable value to be added to the hop pattern formula in an unlikely event of nearly identical hop patterns of two
co-located or nearby networks to eliminate adjacent-network interference.
Host Computer—The computer installed at the master station site, that
controls the collection of data from one or more remote sites.
HTTP—Hypertext Transfer Protocol
IAPP (inter-Access Point Protocol)—A protocol by which access
points share information about the stations that are connected to them.
When a station connects to an access point, the access point updates its
database. When a station leaves one access point and roams to another
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135
access point, the new access point tells the old access point, using IAPP,
that the station has left and is now located on the new access point.
ICMP—Internet Control Message Protocol
IEEE—Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
Image (File)—Data file that contains the operating system and other
essential resources for the basic operation of the transceiver’s CPU.
LAN—Local Area Network
Latency—The delay (usually expressed in milliseconds) between when
data is applied at the transmit port at one radio, until it appears at the
receive port at the other radio.
MAS—Multiple Address System. A radio system where a central
master station communicates with several remote stations for the purpose of gathering telemetry data. Figure 1-2 on Page 6 shows an
example of an MAS system.
MAC—Media Access Controller
MCU—Microcontroller Unit. This is the processor responsible for controlling system start-up, synthesizer loading, hop timing, and key-up
control.
MD5—A highly secure data encoding scheme. MD5 is a one-way hash
algorithm that takes any length of data and produces a 128 bit “fingerprint”. This fingerprint is “non-reversible”, it is computationally infeasible to determine the file based on the fingerprint. For more details
check out “RFC 1321” on the Internet.
Microcontroller Unit—See MCU.
Mobile IP—An emerging standard by which access points and stations
maintain network connectivity as the stations move between various IP
networks. Through the use of Mobile IP a station can move from its
home IP network to a foreign network while still sending and receiving
data using it's original IP address. Other hosts on the network will not
need to know that the station is no longer in its home network and can
continue to send data to the IP address that was assigned to the station.
Mobile IP also uses DHCP when the station moves into a foreign network.
Mobility—Refers to a station that moves about while maintaining
active connections with the network. Mobility generally implies physical motion. The movement of the station is not limited to a specific network and IP subnet. In order for a station to be mobile it must establish
and tear down connections with various access points as it moves
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through the access points' territory. In order to do this, the station
employs roaming and Mobile IP.
Mode—See Device Mode.
MTBF—Mean-Time Between Failures
Multiple Address System (MAS)—See Point-Multipoint System.
Network Name—User-selectable alphanumeric string that is used to
identify a group of transceivers that form a communications network.
The Access Point and all Remotes within a given system should have the
same network address.
Network-Wide Diagnostics—An advanced method of controlling and
interrogating MDS radios in a radio network.
Passive Scanning—Scanning is a process used by stations to detect
other access points on network to which it may connect if it needs to
roam. Passive scanning is a slower process in which it listens for information offered by the access points on a regular basis. Active scanning
is a faster process in which the station sends out probe message to which
the access points respond. Passive scanning can be done while maintaining the current network connectivity. Active scanning affects the RF
configuration of the radio and therefore, at least temporarily, disconnects the station from the access point.
PING—Packet INternet Groper. Diagnostic message generally used to
test reachability of a network device, either over a wired or wireless network.
Point-Multipoint System—A radio communications network or
system designed with a central control station that exchanges data with
a number of remote locations equipped with terminal equipment.
Poll—A request for data issued from the host computer (or master PLC)
to a remote radio.
Portability—A station is considered connected when it has successfully
authenticated and associated with an access point. A station is considered authenticated when it has agreed with the access point on the type
of encryption that will be used for data packets traveling between them.
The process of association causes a station to be bound to an access
point and allows it to receive and transmit packets to and from the access
point. In order for a station to be associated it must first authenticate
with the access point. The authentication and association processes
occur automatically without user intervention.
Portability refers to the ability of a transceiver to connect to an access
point from multiple locations without the need to reconfigure the network settings. For example, a transceiver located in one place and conMDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
137
nected to an access point can be turned off, moved to another place,
turned back on, and when the right information is entered can immediately reconnect to the access point without user intervention.
PLC—Programmable Logic Controller. A dedicated microprocessor
configured for a specific application with discrete inputs and outputs. It
can serve as a host or as an RTU.
Remote—A transceiver in a network that communicates with an associated Access Point unit.
Remote Terminal Unit—See RTU.
RFI—Radio Frequency Interference
Roaming—An station's ability to automatically switch its wireless connection between various MDS NET 900 access points as the need arises.
A station may roam from one access point to another because the signal
strength or quality of the current access point has degraded below what
another access point can provide. When two access points are co-located
for redundancy, roaming allows the stations to switch between the
access points to provide a robust network. Roaming may also be
employed in conjunction with Portability where the station has been
moved beyond the range of the original access point to which it was connected. As the station comes in range of a new access point, it will
switch its connection to the stronger signal. Roaming refers to a station's
logical, not necessarily physical, move between access points within a
specific network and IP subnet.
RSSI—Received Signal Strength Indicator
RTU—Remote Terminal Unit. A data collection device installed at a
remote radio site.
SCADA—Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition. An overall term
for the functions commonly provided through an MAS radio system.
Skip Zone(s)—Groups of operating channels (frequencies) deleted
from the radio transmitter and receiver operating range.
SNMP—Simple Network Management Protocol
SNR—Signal-to-Noise Ratio. A measurement of relative received
signal quality. High ratios will likely result in better signal detection and
performance.
SNTP—Simple Network Time Protocol
STP—Spanning Tree Protocol
Standing-Wave Ratio—See SWR.
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SWR—Standing-Wave Ratio. A parameter related to the ratio between
forward transmitter power and the reflected power from the antenna
system. As a general guideline, reflected power should not exceed 10%
of the forward power (≈ 2:1 SWR).
TCP—Transmission Control Protocol
TFTP—Trivial File Transfer Protocol
UDP—User Datagram Protocol
Zone—See Frequency Zone.
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MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary)
139
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